Exploring Options in Stored Product Pest Control

Q: What studies are you currently conducting regarding stored product pest control?

A: The issue of developing pest management programs based on sound pest monitoring data is increasingly important – not only to demonstrate the effectiveness of a pest control treatment, but also to evaluate the need for an intervention based on pest population densities. We are conducting several studies to understand the population rebounds in collaboration with food processors and leading researchers. We are also engaged in research projects that enhance (sulfuryl fluoride) use and use pattern through innovation. Some areas of research focus include fumigant detection, Fumiguide enhancements, faster and easier fumigant delivery systems, validation of market expanding commodities, etc.

Q: What attributes has (sulfuryl fluoride) demonstrated in your research and in-field use?

A: Fumigation is the preferred method of post harvest pest eradication in food processing facilities because the pests can be anywhere within the commodity, storage or processing structure. Fumigation with (sulfuryl fluoride) is flexible for use in long or short exposure fumigations and fits current pest management schedules with minimal downtime. Various research results on a number of commodities have shown that (sulfuryl fluoride) has physical and chemical characteristics including high penetration, low sorption and high desorption, non-corrosiveness to equipment and electronics, and non-flammability when used according to label directions. Also, (sulfuryl fluoride) does not deplete the ozone.

Q: On what commodities can (sulfuryl fluoride) be used?

A: Examples of commodities that can be fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride include cereal grains and their processed fractions, dried fruits and tree nuts, coffee, cocoa, cheese, ham, dried meat, ginger, herbs and spices, and powdered milk.

Q: Since its recent registration for use in food handling establishments, how has (sulfuryl fluoride) been performing in the field?

A: (Sulfuryl fluoride) fumigations in food processing facilities have been very successful. Follow-up surveys with customers who used (sulfuryl fluoride) in their facilities indicated that 96 percent of respondents are completely satisfied with (sulfuryl fluoride) performance. All respondents unanimously answered “yes” when they were asked if they would use sulfuryl fluoride again in their facility.

Q: What are some examples of food handling facilities that have used (sulfuryl fluoride)?

A: Examples of food processing facilities that have used (sulfuryl fluoride) and had success include a large bakery that produces a variety of processed foods, a pasta production facility, a pet food manufacturing facility, flour mills, and rice processing mills.

John Mueller

President, Fumigation Service & Supply (Westfield, Ind.)

Q: What options are currently available to commercial users in stored product pest control?

A: Options currently available include fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride, spot fumigation, fogging, and integrated pest management plans that are specifically geared to the food processing industry.

Q: What is your preferred method of choice for effective stored product pest control in processing facilities? Why?

A: Many factors need to go into determining the “preferred” method of choice for that unique job. Essentially, the answer is: Whatever happens to be the best fit for customer. I would recommend consulting a pest management professional to determine what the best stored product pest treatment method is for your facility.

Q: What are the major concerns of quality assurance managers when discussing pest management plans?

A: The three overriding concerns are: Safety, effectiveness of treatment and economics (cost). Basically, our clients need to know that the quality of their commodities will be preserved and about any potential damage treatment may cause; if the treatment will eliminate the pests and how long it will be before they will have to treat again; and how much ultimately (including operation downtime) the treatment will end up costing their company.