Limiting the Risks of Stored Product Pests Along the Food Supply Chain
A number of insects can potentially enter food processing, storage and handling sites. Some species—if they find suitable food material—can reproduce inside and cause an infestation. These insects are typically referred to as stored product pests. Some will feed on whole grains like the rice, maize and granary weevils. Others will be in processed foods like flour beetles, warehouse beetles and Indian meal moths. Finally, there are pests found in poor sanitary conditions such as cockroaches and flies.
Proper identification of the pests is the first step. This identification will lead to information on where the pests might be originating from, what their food preferences might be, and what treatment options might be best. Think of standing in a closed, dark room. With a flashlight, you can pinpoint certain areas and focus on where you need to go. But without that flashlight, you are just wandering around in the dark. Correct identification is like a flashlight to pinpoint likely areas and focus our time and attention on those areas.