an insecticide strip. Recently developed
products containing microencapsulated
pheromones provide a slow chemical release
over a long period of time. Chemical attrac-
tants are now being used to control fruit
flies.
Common pheromones for pest control are
aggregation (usually produced by long-lived
adult insects) and more frequently, sex
pheromones (usually produced by short-
lived adults). Aggregation pheromones, usu-
ally produced by the male, can cause a
response from both sexes.
Pheromones traps can be used in pest
management for:
1.Detection and monitoring. Information
such as presence, location, and amount
of a species can determine when appro-
priate action should be taken (i.e., pes-
ticide application).
2.Mass trapping. Larger traps with a
larger quantity of pheromone can be
incorporated to catch insects.
3.Confusion. Sex pheromones can con-
fuse mating instincts of male insects to
prevent their location of females.The use of pheromones in pest manage-
ment offers the following advantages.
1.Economy. A small amount is required
and traps are easy to use.
2.Species specific. A pheromone used to
attract a specific species does not
attract or harm beneficial species.
3.Non-poisonous. No known safety haz-
ards exist to humans or other animals.
4.No insect resistance. Sex attractants are
fatal to the insects being trapped.Hydroprene, a nonpesticide insect growth
regulator (IGR), is appropriate for cock-
roach control in sensitive environments
because of its margin of safety and toxicity.
It has been approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency for use in areas where
food is present. An IGR can be destructive
through disruption of the normal growth
and development of immature cockroaches.
Growth and development abnormalities
include deformed wings and the inability to
reproduce.Trap Placement
Trap placement affects the success of the
pest control program. Traps for houseflies
and other filth flies should be placed a max-
imum of 1.5 m above the floor (Mason,
2003). Ceiling mounted traps in a location
that permits inspection and cleaning should
be installed for night fliers. If light traps are
needed near bay doors, they should be
placed at the top of the doorway and per-
pendicular to the door so the light is not
directed outside. Electric flytraps should not
be installed outside near the loading dock
because they will attract more flies than can
be caught. If a food facility is located near a
large body of water, light traps can be placed
9 m or more away from the building with the
back of the trap toward the water. Insects
that are attracted to the lighted building will
be attracted toward the water and away from
the food facility. Light traps should not be
installed at ceiling level directly over or next
to exposed food or within 4 m of a door
because of potential attraction of insects to
the site, risk of insect fragment contamina-
tion, and the possibility of trap interception
failure. Traps should not be placed where
damage from forklifts, other equipment, or
strong air currents could occur.Monitoring of Infestants
A systematic inspection or surveillance
and the recording of the species of pests
present, their quantity, and origin should be
established. Monitoring should include raw
materials, adjuncts, and production and
storage premises. Laboratory testing of sam-
ples should be performed using a filth test