technique influences the overall infestation
levels in plants processing these materials in
foods.
Insect-Resistant Packaging
Insect-resistant packaging is a control
strategy that may not always be incorporated
when considering non-chemical control or
exclusion techniques. Stored product insects
vary in their ability to contest packages
(Arthur and Phillips, 2003). These pests may
be penetrators, capable of boring through
packaging materials or invaders that can
enter through seams or openings. Insects
may vary in their ability to enter packages at
different life stages (Mullen, 1997). Packag-
ing films may vary in their ability to prevent
insect entry. For example, polypropylene
films are more resistant to insect entry than
those manufactured from a polyvinyl chlo-
ride polymer.
Summary
Pests of major significance to the food
industry include the German cockroach,
American cockroach, Oriental cockroach,
housefly, fruit fly, Norway rat, house mouse,
pigeon, sparrow, and starling. Control of pests
can be most effective through prevention of
entry into food establishments and the elimi-
nation of shelter areas and food sources for
subsistence and reproduction. If pests become
established, pesticides, traps, and other control
techniques are essential. These eradication
devices should be considered a supplement to,
rather than a replacement for, effective sanita-
tion practices. Because pesticides are toxic,
these compounds should be selected and han-
dled carefully. Precautions during use, storage,
and disposal are essential. Although a trained
employee can handle pesticides, a professional
exterminator should be employed for complex
and hazardous applications.
Study questions
- What adverse effects do cockroaches
have on a food facility? - How are cockroaches best controlled?
- Why are flies so unsanitary?
- How are flies destroyed most effec-
tively? - What is the difference between a resid-
ual and a nonresidual insecticide? - How does an insect light trap destroy
flies? - What are insect pheromones?
- How are rats and mice controlled
most effectively? - How are birds controlled most effec-
tively? - What is integrated pest management?
- What are the merits of integrated pest
management? - What are pheromones?
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