IPM Practices > Stored Products Pests

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve stored products pest problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determining whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. performs an interior inspection on each service visit, especially in high risk areas where stored dried products are stored and held;
2. uses pheromone traps as monitoring tools;
3. identifies pest species (by adult, larval, or other sign recognition);
4. identifies structural/environmental factors (i.e. high heat, humidity cracks, etc.) requiring correction.

CULTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Stored products insect management is dependent on good sanitation and storage. The cultural practices listed below correct conditions that encourage stored products pests. The practitioner must provide written recommendations to the customer concerning conditions that need correction. In some cases, pest management contractors will correct these conditions for a fee.

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, recommends, or corrects as appropriate:
1. written recommendations or advice is provided to the client;
2. infested food stuffs discarded;
3. shelves (storage areas) are cleaned;
4. cracks and crevices are sealed;
5. food stuffs are rotated, with oldest consumed first;
6. bird seed and dry pet food is stored in impermeable, sealed containers;
7. suspect food is stored in refrigerator, or under cool conditions.

TREATMENT
Treatment can include both chemical and non-chemical options. However, the use of pesticides is not permitted on a routine or periodic basis. No pesticide application can be made unless both the presence of a pest is confirmed and the pest has been identified. Pesticide treatments should be focused on treating high-risk areas.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. removes pests by physically sweeping or vacuuming;
2. uses non-residual insecticides to remove adult insects and exposed immature stages;
3. uses insect growth regulators to control future infestations;
4. applies low risk residual insecticides to cracks and crevices, when appropriate.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve stored products problems successfully.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
8. participates in an educational program, addressing the following topics within a three-year period:
a. pest identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion (including inspection techniques)
d. harborage removal/denial
e. environmental alteration (i.e. ventilation, temperature control, etc.)
f. interception (i.e. inspecting purchased or incoming goods, etc.)
g. trapping & monitoring
h. vacuuming
i. use of heat/cold as control technique
j. use of lighting in pest control
k. other considerations
9. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
10. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association;
11. provides customer with IPM information;
12. Advanced: has completed correspondence course in pest management in current year.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources