Taking the time to get down and check cracks and crevices may be worth much more than just your time

While typically known for its pioneering efforts in fumigation, FPA member, Fumigation Service & Supply, Inc. (FSS) also provides pest control for the food, milling, seed and grain industries. One such account was experiencing product rejections as a result of saw-toothed grain beetle (STGB) activity on finished product.

Beginning with the insect itself, the STGB is a small flightless beetle that typically does not feed on whole grains normally found in bird seed mixes. However, in this scenario there were many ingredients including dried fruit and palletized supplements that are palatable to the STGB.

Working with the client in determining the source of the infestation was key in resolving the issue. Their corporate quality director had recently implemented a zero infestation policy and resolving the issue was a high priority.

Inspection of the product being packaged was conducted by sifting and identifying any insect activity that might be coming from ingredients. No insects were found in this stage of the process. Product retains were examined for any activity that might have been packaged. No insects were found in any of the retains. An STGB monitoring program was evaluated in the finished product area and was yielding STGB catches even in colder months. Evaluation of stored product in the warehouse was conducted to identify any old or infested product that might be the source of the infestation. Several items were found to have activity on them and were removed, discarded or fumigated and reworked. Areas where this product was found were treated with a residual insecticide to minimize spread of any activity. The catches unseasonably continued. FSS conducted a thorough analysis of the activity. An FSS employee recorded the catch data into a bar-code system and numerous trap catch charts were evaluated for analysis. A temperature profile of the warehouse was also being conducted to determine if there were optimal temperatures present for reproduction. Numerous areas were found to be within the reproductive range due to the heating system configuration. The client was instructed to reduce the temperatures to retard reproduction and limit the spread of the activity. 

FSS conducts numerous fogging applications throughout the warmer months to control stored product pests. Prior to each fogging, residual applications are made to floor cracks, equipment stands and rack stands. Fumigation of seed in bulk bins, system fumigation and isolated facility fumigations are conducted throughout the year also. In reviewing the trap catch data it was found that higher levels of insects were present from November through April than during the peak growing season, proving that our treatments were effective in controlling stored product pests in seasonal times when the threat is greatest.

It was found that in this relatively new warehouse, the floor cracks and rack stands were the sole source of the infestation. The floor has ¼-inch saw cuts throughout the floor to control cracks that occur over time in concrete. Those cracks had filled with seed debris that had been swept into the cracks over the years. Seed and other ingredients that had been run over by forklift traffic become easier for the STGB to ingest. It is undetermined how the STGB were introduced to the area, but we have a clear path on how to eliminate the problem. STGB are crawling up onto racks and getting caught in shrink-wrap or are crawling on finished product packaging and then shrink-wrapped in the load only to get caught in the shrink-wrap in transit and eventually cause product rejection. Freight charges and fumigation charges of each load going out and subsequently returned are mounting and eating profit margins.

While there are hot spots within the warehouse where STGB activity is higher than in others, the warehouse was the only place in the entire facility where STGB were being identified. FSS has worked with the client in providing a crack treatment and sealing services. Rack stands are to be vacuumed out and treated as well. A fumigation of the warehouse is scheduled once temperatures become high enough to achieve good efficacy. Improvements in sanitation procedures are being made to ensure these isolated micro-environments remain free from food debris and infestation.

Thorough understanding of the linear production process allowed FSS to apply a process of elimination in determining the source of the infestation. An understanding of the nature of stored product pests and more specifically the STGB and its limitations allowed FSS to prescribe a process in which to eliminate the food source, harborage and prevent further difficulties at this facility.

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FPA is an organization of regional companies formally organized to provide Pest Management/ Food Safety/Fumigation/Alternatives to Fumigation & Products sales throughout North America. 1-877-FPA(372)-3334 or www.fpalliance.com