Recent advances and future directions in Integrated Stored-Product Insect Management Programs for the food industry

Abstract: Stored-product insect management at food facilities such as mills, processing plants, warehouses and retail stores increasingly relies on integrated approaches, and as a result there is increasing need for research that provides ‘real world’ solutions. Because of the spatial distribution and movement patterns of the pest insects and the structural complexity and operational constraints of food facilities it is challenging to transfer tactics from the lab to the field. Recent research approaches that attempt to assess treatment effectiveness under conditions found in food facilities are summarized. Finally, some critical data gaps are discussed that would be fruitful areas of future research are discussed. This brief summary of where stored-product pest management research is and where it needs to go to improve the management of insects in food facilities will hopefully stimulate additional research in this important area.