Armed Forces Pest Management Board

Technical Guide No. 27

Stored-Product Pest
Monitoring Methods

Published and Distributed by the

Armed Forces Pest Management Board
US Army Garrison—Forest Glen
2460 Linden Lane, Bldg 172
Silver Spring, MD 20910-1230

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense

(Acquisition and Sustainment)

December 2016
 Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide 27
Stored-Product Pest Monitoring Methods

Table of Contents

Section 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5

Purpose........................................................................................................................ 5
Background ................................................................................................................. 5
Section 2. Definitions ................................................................................................................ 6
Section 3. Detection/Monitoring Methods.............................................................................. 7
Pheromone/Food Attractant Traps (PFAT) ................................................................ 7
Benefits of PFAT Monitoring ..................................................................................... 7
Factors to Consider When Using PFATs .................................................................... 7
Trap Selection ............................................................................................................. 8
PFAT Placement in Food Warehouses with Infestible Products ................................ 9
Trap Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 10
Trap Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 10
Interpretation of Trap Catch for Target Species ....................................................... 11
Limited Control/Suppression .................................................................................... 12
Glue Boards ................................................................................................................... 12
Acoustics ........................................................................................................................ 12
Light Traps ..................................................................................................................... 12
Insect Fragment Analysis .............................................................................................. 14
Immunoassay ................................................................................................................. 14
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ................................................................................................... 14
Product Incubation ......................................................................................................... 14
Section 4. Selected Bibliography ........................................................................................... 15
Appendix A ................................................................................................................................ 16
Appendix B ................................................................................................................................ 17
Appendix C ................................................................................................................................ 19

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 AFPMB Technical Guides

This is one of a series of Technical Guides (TGs) published by the Information Services
Division (ISD), Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB). The AFPMB is a
directorate within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations
and Environment that recommends policies and procedures, provides guidance, and
coordinates the exchange of information related to pest management throughout the
Department of Defense (DoD). The ISD collects, stores and disseminates published and
unpublished information on arthropod vectors and pests, natural resources, and
environmental biology important to the DoD. Other ISD products include country- or
region-specific Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPs). All TGs and DVEPs are
available at the AFPMB Web site, http://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/afpmb.

TGs are not policy documents; rather, they provide technical guidance for the use of the
DoD pest management community and others. Accordingly, TGs should not be construed
or referenced as policy, unless cited in a policy document. DoD pest management policies
may be found in DoD Directive 4715.1E, "Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health,"
and DoD Instruction 4150.07, "DoD Pest Management Program,", and component
implementing directives, instructions, or regulations.

Inquiries, comments or suggestions for improving TGs may be directed to the Chief, ISD, at
(301) 295-7476, Fax: (301) 295-7473.

Disclaimer

We have used trade names in this TG to provide specific information, but these do not
imply endorsement of specific products named or criticism of similar products not
mentioned in this TG. Our reference to trade names does not constitute a guarantee or
warranty of the products by the AFPMB, the military Departments, or the Department of
Defense.

Acknowledgments

This revision of Technical Guide 27 (TG 27), Stored-Product Pest Monitoring Methods,
includes updated technical information and additional material not available when the TG
was first published in 1992. The Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB)
acknowledges the contributions of Mr. Gary Walker, past Chair of the AFPMB Stored-
Products Protection Committee, served as principal author of the first edition of TG 27 and
reviewed this revision. Others who contributed to the first edition include members of the
AFPMB Stored-product Protection Committee; research scientists from the USDA, ARS,
Grain Marketing Research and Production Center, Manhattan, Kansas; Dr. Wendell
Burkholder, USDA, Stored-products Insect Unit, Madison, WI; and members of the
AFPMB. The following individuals contributed to the second revision: CAPT Eric
Hoffman, Capt Mary Ann Haberman, LTC William Sames, Dr. Herb Bolton, Dr. Mike
Mullen, and Mr. Shannon Sked. Col David Bowles and Mr. Jim Harrison revised and
edited this third version.

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 Foreword

Stored-product pests cause considerable damage to military food and clothing worldwide.
The Department of Defense (DoD) must ensure that effective integrated pest management
(IPM) programs are established for stored-product pests that use all appropriate surveillance
and control techniques currently available. This TG provides current information on insect
monitoring systems, including pheromone lures and other trapping devices, that are
appropriate for use in the stored-product pest programs within the DoD.

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 Section 1. Introduction

Purpose. The purpose of this TG is to provide current information that DoD personnel can
use to establish a stored-product insect monitoring program. The main emphasis of this TG
is on pheromone and food attractant traps. Other insect monitoring and detection methods
are also briefly discussed.

Background

1) Stored-product insects may cause significant damage and loss to stored foods,
fibers such as those used to produce uniforms, tents and blankets, and animal products such
as leather. DoD personnel can minimize losses if infestations are quickly identified and the
appropriate management measures implemented. Methods of identifying stored- product
insect infestations at DoD installations include: product inspections (receipt, warranty,
cyclic and issue), walk-through (visual) inspections, customer complaints, and accidental
discovery by personnel. Product and visual inspections are both labor- intensive and time-
consuming activities. Product inspection is subject to "luck of the draw" in finding an
actual infestation when low-level infestations are involved.

2) Numerous methods for detecting stored-product insects, particularly food pests,

have been proposed and investigated. The most useful technique currently available is
monitoring storage facilities with traps baited with insect pheromones and/or food
attractants. This technique is the key component of an integrated management program for
stored-product pests. Other detection and monitoring methods that are useful in specific
situations or are being researched include carbon dioxide emission, acoustics, light traps,
pitfall traps, product incubation, glue boards, and immunoassay techniques.

3) The incorporation of monitoring methods into existing stored-product pest

management programs can lead to early detection of low-level infestations and can aid in
pinpointing hidden infestations. Monitoring has several distinct advantages. For example,
information obtained from monitoring may be used to justify levels of pesticide use, or the
need for intensified surveillance and other pest management methods. Monitoring results
can also serve as an indicator of how well an IPM program’s components are functioning.

4) Detailed information on individual monitoring methods and insect monitoring

systems can be found in journal articles, research reports, and manufacturers' literature.
A selected bibliography of publications is listed in Section 4.

Section 2. Definitions

Food Attractant. An oil or food extract (non-nutritive products are preferred) or

synthesized scent that will attract a select group of insects. In some cases the food attractant
is impregnated into an artificial medium. Oil food attractants are also used as killing or
trapping agents.
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 Food Attractant Trap. A device using a food attractant to attract insects. It is used
for monitoring a group of insects (e.g., stored-product insects, soil insects). Some traps are
designed to retain attracted insects. They are often combined with pheromone lures in a
single trap.

Incubation. The process or procedure of keeping material in a favorable (optimum)

environment in order to stimulate development of organisms or life stages (eggs, larvae,
spores, bacteria, etc.) that may be present.

Lure. A small rubber or plastic device impregnated with or retaining a pheromone

or food attractant. Lures are designed to release materials gradually over a designated
period of time, either passively or by controlled release.

Mating Disruption. Using a higher concentration of sex pheromone to saturate an

area, thereby disrupting/reducing mating.

Pheromone. A chemical compound produced by an organism that initiates a

behavioral activity in others of the same species. Pheromones are identified and
synthesized to attract target insect species.

- Aggregation pheromone. A communication chemical predominantly

produced by males that attracts both sexes. Effective compounds have been synthesized for
stored-product insect species with long-lived adults (e.g., red/confused flour beetles,
Tribolium spp.) and species that need to feed to reproduce.

- Sex attractant pheromone. A communication chemical usually produced by

females in order to attract males. Effective compounds have been synthesized for stored-
product insect species with short-lived adults (e.g., cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne)
and adults that do not need to feed to reproduce.

Pheromone Trap. A device using a pheromone lure that attracts and captures
insects, used primarily for monitoring particular species. In some situations, these traps can
aid in the suppression of insect populations. Pheromone traps may be combined with food
attractants in a single trap to further augment collections.

Precision Targeting. A technique developed to rapidly monitor, assess and

efficiently treat insect infestations. For stored-product pests, monitoring data from
pheromone or food attractant traps are analyzed spatially to identify the source(s) of the
infestation.

Section 3. Detection/Monitoring Methods

A. Pheromone/Food Attractant Traps (PFAT). Pheromones have been identified for

many stored-product insects. Some synthesized lures have been commercially developed
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and a variety of trap designs are available. Pheromone traps have been used for monitoring
stored-product pests in a variety of stored food commodities. PFAT monitoring has the
potential for early detection of low-level and isolated infestations of certain stored-product
insects.

1) Benefits of PFAT Monitoring.

a. Provide round-the-clock monitoring.

b. Target a defined area of a facility.

c. Help pinpoint the location of an infestation.

d. Can reduce the amount of pesticide used for control by targeting the specific area
to be treated and indicating when applications are necessary.

e. Can reduce the amount of product loss by early detection of insect activity.

f. Easily moved around in a warehouse. Not labor intensive.

g. Non-toxic.

h. Do not involve additional product inspections (unless an infestation is indicated).

i. Provide tools for evaluation of the current pest management program.

j. Supplement other existing surveillance programs.

k. Reduce the time needed to inspect stored products for signs and symptoms of
pests.

2) Factors to Consider When Using PFATs.

a. Some traps will collect insects other than the target species; this can be
advantageous under certain circumstances.

b. Collected specimens in sticky traps may be difficult to remove intact for

identification.

c. Some trap designs do not work well in dusty areas.

d. Floor-placed traps may frequently be lost or damaged.

3) Trap Selection.

a. Pheromone lures have been developed for several stored-product insects (Tables 1
& 2). Currently, sex pheromone lures developed for species with short-lived adults have
7
proven to be more effective than those baited with aggregation pheromones. Good results
have been attained with the lure for the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) and its
close relatives, as well as the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), dermestid beetles
(khapra beetle/warehouse beetles, Trogoderma spp.), and the lesser grain borer
(Rhyzopertha dominica). Pheromone traps baited with these lures should be used in dry
subsistence storage areas. In addition, traps baited with aggregation pheromone should be
used for flour beetles (Tribolium spp.). Beetle traps are generally also baited with food
attractant to enhance capture. An oil-based food attractant will also attract other pest
species, such as the sawtoothed grain beetle (Orizaephilus surinamensis), merchant grain
beetle (O. mercator), khapra beetle/warehouse beetles (Trogoderma spp.), and carpet
beetles (Attagenus spp. and Anthrenus spp.). Food attractants are especially effective for
long-lived insects and may aid in the capture of larvae. Oil baits should not be used beyond
their indicated shelf life.

(1) Oil lures oxidize and solidify over time. Collected specimens may have to
be freed from the oil before they can be identified. Polymerized oils need to be dissolved
using an aromatic solvent, such as xylene.

(2) Researchers have used sesame oil in khapra beetle traps as a substitute for
the standard oil lure. Sesame oil can be quickly dissolved with a 5% detergent solution (a
non-sudsing detergent such as automatic dishwasher detergent must be used for vacuum
filtration of the rinsate). This method removes most of the oil from the collected specimens.

b. Lures for different species can be combined into a single trap.

(1) Lures for the cigarette beetle, warehouse beetle, lesser grain borer and flour
beetles can be combined, because these insects tend to be active on floors or at relatively
low levels in warehouses. Lures for species that are active fliers can also be combined in a
single trap (e.g., wing or hanging delta trap). Some traps are designed to hold as many as
four different pheromones plus a food oil attractant in order to maximize their effectiveness.

(2) The lures for red/confused flour beetles (Tribolium spp.) and Indian meal
moth (Plodia interpunctella) should not be combined due to differences in the flight activity
of these insects. The Indian meal moth readily flies, red flour beetles can only fly short
distances, and the confused flour beetle does not fly. Therefore, trap placement and
subsequent capture may not provide an accurate representation of the density/distribution of
each of these species.

(3) Dermestid beetles (khapra beetle/warehouse beetles, Trogoderma spp.) are

generally small, mostly black insects and as a group may become serious pests of stored
commodities. Dermestids naturally feed on dead carcasses or carrion. Accordingly, they
may infest and damage woolens, stored foods, stuffed animals, and household furnishings,
especially those made with animal products.

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Table 1. Surveillance information for moths commonly infesting stored products (see Figures 1 & 2).

Trap Lure
Moths Adult Stage Lure Duration Effectiveness NSN (3740-01-xxx-xxxx) Notes
Type Type

414-8117 (kit-3 traps)

414-8118 (25 lures)
Almond Moth
3-7 days W, D, SR Sex ≈12 weeks Good 418-1929 (100 lures)
(Ephestia cautella)
418-5107 (100 wing traps)
418-5110 (25 wing traps)

Angoumois Grain Moth Use any wing

2-14 days W, D Sex 4 weeks Good Open purchase
(Sitotroga cerealella) or diamond trap

414-8117 (kit-3 traps)

414-8118 (25 lures)
Indian meal Moth
7-25 days W, D, SR Sex ≈ 3 months Good 418-1929 (100 lures)
(Plodia interpunctella)
418-5107 (100 wing traps)
418-5110 (25 wing traps)

414-8117 (kit-3 traps)

414-8118 (25 lures)
Mediterranean Flour Moth
9-14 days W, D Sex ≈ 3 months Good 418-1929 (100 lures)
(Anagasta kuehniella)
418-5107 (100 wing traps)
418-5110 (25 wing traps)

414-8117 (kit-3 traps)

414-8118 (25 lures)
Raisin Moth
7-14 days W, D Sex ≈ 3 months Moderate 418-1929 (100 lures)
(Ephestia figulella)
418-5107 (100 wing traps)
418-5110 (25 wing traps)

414-8117 (kit-3 traps)

414-8118 (25 lures)
Tobacco Moth
3-14 days W, D, SR Sex ≈ 3 months Good 418-1929 (100 lures)
(Ephestia elutella)
418-5107 (100 wing traps)
418-5110 (25 wing traps)

Trap Type: W = Wing; D = Diamond; SR = Short range (SP locator)

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Table 2: Surveillance information for beetles commonly infesting stored products (see Figures 1 & 3).

Adult Trap NSN

Beetles Stage (days) Type Lure Type Lure Duration Effectiveness (3740-01-xxx-xxxx) Notes

Black Carpet 30-60 P, D Sex/food 4 to 8 weeks Good Open purchase Use with any diamond
Beetle trap or addition to
Dometrap
30-60
Common Carpet Beetle 30-60 P, D Sex/food 4 to 8 weeks Good Open purchase Use with any diamond
(Anthrenus scrophulariae) trap or addition to
Dome trap

Cigarette Beetle 14-42 P, W, D Sex/food 4 weeks Good 414-9397 (25 lures) Use with any wing
(Lasioderma serricorne) trap or addition to
Dome trap

Drugstore Beetle 14-60 P, D Sex 4 weeks Good Open purchase Use with any diamond
(Stegobium paniceum) trap or addition to
Dome trap

Flour Beetles 180-1,080 P, Food/ag. 4 weeks Good 414-9393 (Dome trap kit)
(Tribolium spp.) 414-8123 (25 lures)

Lesser Grain Borer 90-180 P, W, D Sex/ag. 8 weeks Good 414-9399 (25 lures) Use with any wing
(Rhyzopertha dominica) trap

Merchant Grain Beetle 90-125 P Food Replace as needed Good 414-9395 (Dome trap kit)
(Oryzaephilus mercator)

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle 130-1,100 P, GB Food Replace as needed Good 414-9395 (Dome trap kit) Rodent glue board
(Oryzaephilus surinamensis) also works as
monitoring tool

Warehouse Beetle 14-28 P, W, D Sex/food 4 weeks Good . 414-9391 (kit) (Trogoderma spp.)
414-8124 (25 lures)

Trap Type: W = Wing; D = Diamond; P = Pitfall (Dome trap); GB = glueboard; sex/ag. = sex and aggregation

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 Species in the genus Trogoderma are among the most destructive dermestids that infest
stored commodities. Trogoderma granarium, or khapra beetle, is particularly destructive,
in addition to being a potential medical threat. The exuviae (shed skins) of the larvae are
known to cause contact dermatitis in some people, and their barbed setae may pose a health
hazard if swallowed in contaminated grain. Khapra beetle infestations are notoriously
difficult to control. This is largely because they require little moisture or food and they are
resistant to many insecticides and fumigants.

Facilities that monitor specifically for khapra beetle can place Trogoderma lures in
suspended traps as well as wall-mounted or floor traps. Since khapra beetles are not known
to fly, the suspended traps will attract non-khapra species of Trogoderma (e.g., warehouse
beetles), thus reducing the number of beetles requiring identification. Because the khapra
beetle is a quarantinable insect, if suspected, its identity must be confirmed by an expert in
khapra beetle taxonomy. Unless a CONUS facility receives material from another region of
the world, especially northeastern Africa or southwestern Asia, it is unlikely the facility
would have khapra beetle. However, any collected specimens suspected of being khapra
beetle should be positively identified.

d. There are a variety of trap designs available that are effective for monitoring
stored-product pests (Appendix A). Some more commonly used examples are shown in
Figure 1. The adhesive surface of some traps is exposed (wing type, e.g., Serrico, Thin Line
and Sanitrap) and can quickly become coated with dust and dirt. For dusty areas, the
pitfall, funnel or other covered trap design would be more appropriate.

a. Pitfall dome trap.

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 b. Glue board.

c. Wing trap.

d. Diamond trap.

Figure 1. Traps for monitoring stored-product pests.

4) PFAT Placement in food warehouses with infestible products.

a. Initial trap deployment density will vary according to the species of insect and the
8
pheromone used. For Indian meal moth, trap density should be about 1 per 25,000 cu ft.
Beetle traps should be arranged in a grid pattern at intervals of 25 ft or less. Infestations
can be pinpointed by increasing the trap density around areas suspected of containing
infested stores.

b. Traps may be placed outside the warehouse and away from the building to
determine if infestations are originating from an external source. Accurate identification of
the species is critical if outside monitoring is conducted.

c. To reduce the chance of attracting insects from outside the facility, traps should
not be placed within 30 feet of exterior doors or open windows.

d. Traps should be placed to minimize damage to the traps from normal facility
operations.

(1) Most beetle traps are designed to lie flat. However, depending upon design,
some traps can be mounted on vertical structures/walls, pallet rack systems or pillars.

(2) Wing type and most funnel traps should be suspended above the floor,
which can limit their placement in warehouses. Nevertheless, they should be placed as
close to dry pet food and breakfast cereal areas as possible because these products are prone
to infestation by Indian meal moth. The traps can be hung from small pulleys over or near
pallets, allowing them to be out of the way but still accessible. The trap placement height
for Indian meal moth can range from 6 to 30 ft.

e. If highly infestible products are consolidated in only a few areas, trap placement
should be concentrated in those areas.

5) Trap Monitoring.

a. In temperate climates, PFATs should be used from at least April through October.
In warm climates or where heated warehouses are used, year-round monitoring is
recommended and traps or lures should be changed more frequently because they tend to
lose attractiveness over a shorter period of time.

b. Pest management personnel should maintain an accurate map or listing of trap

locations.

c. Traps should be checked on a weekly basis, and a log or record sheet of catches
maintained. Trap and/or lure replacement and other actions should be documented for
maintenance purposes or precision targeting.

d. For traps that contain insects:

(1) Determine if target stored-product insects were collected.

(2) Record the number of each species or type collected.

9
 (3) To prevent specimens from being recounted on sticky traps, they should be
removed, marked, or the trap should be replaced.

(4) If justified (paragraph 3.A.7), trap density should be increased in the area
where activity is evident. This will help pinpoint the location of the infestation. These
additional traps should be checked daily.

(5) Appropriate pest management procedures should be implemented when a

stored-product infestation is located. After the insect source is eliminated, monitor the
facility at the former trap density.

(6) Representative samples of collected specimens and a DD Form 1222

(Appendix C) should be sent to a military laboratory for identification.

(7) Traps will also collect non-target insects. It is advisable to have a verified,
representative reference specimen collection available to aid in identifications or in
separating target from non-target insects.

(8) The presence of large numbers of a non-stored-product insect (e.g.,

Phoridae, Psychodidae, Drosophilidae) in traps indicates other potential pest management
problems (e.g., leaking product, dirty drains, etc.) that need to be located and eliminated.

6) Trap Maintenance.

a. Replace damaged and dirty traps as necessary. Lures from such traps should be
reused if possible. Moth lures may be used up to 6 months and beetle lures 1 to 3.5 months,
depending on the specific lure. Damaged or unusable lures must be destroyed and not left
on or near the premises because these lures can attract insects and thus create a pest
problem.

b. Lures should be handled with tweezers (forceps) or rubber gloves to avoid

contamination of the lure. Staples or other fastening methods that damage the surface of a
lure can reduce its longevity and/or effectiveness.

c. Unused lures should be stored in a refrigerator or freezer to reduce oxidation and

to maintain their shelf life of approximately 2+ years. Refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions that accompany the lures for specific product information.

d. Traps require regular monitoring and good maintenance of the bait or attractant.
If neglected, traps may become the foci for infestations. The more rapid monitoring
techniques used in precision targeting may eliminate the need for trap maintenance.

7) Interpretation of Trap Catch for Target Species.

a. Catch over time for the trap at each location is evaluated instead of the total catch
for all traps in a warehouse or bay. The trends and patterns for collections in each trap are
what are important.

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 b. 1 to 2 specimens collected in a week at scattered locations likely indicate the catch
is incidental. The specimens probably wandered in or came in on pallets or packaging.
Monitoring should continue.

c. A few (2-5) specimens collected on a regular basis in the same location probably
represent a small infestation. The trap density in the area of the suspected infestation
should be increased and product inspection considered. An exception to this general rule is
for dermestid larvae, where the trigger level is lower. A catch of more than 1 dermestid
larva in a week requires greater scrutiny of an area and a catch of greater than 2 should be
considered a probable infestation.

d. Several (6-9) specimens collected weekly indicate that a small to moderate

infestation may be present. Trap density and monitoring frequency should be increased to
identify the extent of the infestation. Product inspection should be initiated.

e. Numerous (10+) specimens collected in a trap indicate that an active infestation is

present and that immediate action should be taken to isolate and control the stored-product
pest. Often, this situation results from an already infested pallet of material being brought
into the warehouse. Pinpointing the source of such infestations quickly will help minimize
the spread of the infestation. Product inspection is necessary. Additional traps should be
placed in the area to aid in determining the extent of the infestation.

Note: The specimen densities indicated above are only intended to serve as guidelines.
There are no "magic" or standardized numbers to correlate trap catches to actual infestation
levels. Each storage facility must be evaluated individually. Generally, any deviation from
a normal trend or baseline indicates a point where additional integrated pest management
actions are necessary. The type of product and the species collected should also be
considered when determining the severity of an infestation. Additionally, if Khapra beetles
are collected and verified from a CONUS facility, USDA eradication procedures must be
followed.

f. Trap catches may also be used to determine the seasonality and migration of the
target species at a storage facility. This information can be used in refining the pest
management programs for the facility. For example, insects may migrate into the facility
from surrounding areas during seasonal change (fall) or environmental modification
(harvest activities). This may require additional attention by the pest manager to avoid the
establishment of insect populations.

B. Limited Control/Suppression. Specialized lures with a higher concentration/release rate

of sex pheromone have been developed for Indian meal moth. This higher release rate
saturates an area with the pheromone, causing disruption of mating resulting in suppression
of an infestation. It does not eliminate an infestation.

C. Glue Boards. In addition to rodent and cockroach surveillance, glue boards may be
used to monitor stored-product insects (e.g., flour beetles and sawtoothed grain beetles).
Glue boards must be deployed at a higher density than that required for PFATs when used
for monitoring stored-product insects. They can also be used to supplement PFAT or to
target specific areas (e.g., areas surrounding an identified infested product location). There
11
have been reports of insect repellency by some types of glue boards, which may be due to
minor variations in individual glue lots. Trap effectiveness may be increased by placing a
small amount of product (i.e., pasta, dry pet food, peanut butter, etc.) in the center of the
glue board.

D. Acoustics. Use of acoustics to monitor stored-product pests is still experimental and is

not a practical or accepted method for use in DoD at this time. Some researchers have
shown it is possible to detect insect activity in certain packaged commodities at depths of 2-
6 cm using highly sensitive microphones. Problems that still need to be overcome include
poor sound transmitting characteristics of some commodities, detection of the smaller
species of stored-product insects, and the separation of background noise from insect-
generated noise. Until acoustical detection is validated and becomes an established
procedure in the food industry, the AFPMB does not recognize it as a practical
method for monitoring stored-product insects at DoD installations.

E. Light Traps. Research on the effectiveness of light traps for monitoring and
suppressing stored-product pest populations has involved two basic types of light traps, 1)
Devices for Electrocution of Flying Insects (DEFLIs) (Figure 2) and 2) suction traps
(Figure 3). The limitations of light must be kept in mind. In general, light traps primarily
collect flies and few stored-product pests. Although light trap data may provide some
useful information, there are no direct correlations with other monitoring data. Light traps
must be kept clean or they can become a source of infestations.

Figure 2. An example of a DEFLI.

12
 Figure 3. An example of a suction trap fitted with a UV light.

1) DEFLIs are usually installed to help control flies but can also be useful in
monitoring stored-product insects. Collected specimens are frequently damaged and may
be difficult to identify to species. DEFLIs must be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis to
prevent breeding of scavenging insects, particularly dermestids.

2) Suction light traps are useful for monitoring stored-product pests and insects
associated with poor sanitation. When used, these traps should be placed approximately six
feet above the floor to minimize interference with normal warehouse operations. These
traps:

a. require regular removal and identification of the collected insects!

b. collect a wide variety of flying insects that generally require submission to an

entomology laboratory for identification.

c. are only monitoring devices that do not control infestations.

d. are reported to collect <1% of some stored-product species.

e. do not collect sawtoothed grain beetles or other non-flying stored-product

insects.

f. must be located near a power source.

3) The most practical locations for use of light traps at DoD installations would be
in commissary storage areas because of the variety of infestible commercial products that
13
are typically present in those facilities.

F. Insect Fragment Analysis. This is the current approved method used by USDA for
determining the presence of insects or insect parts in grain and milled products. The
numbers of insects and insect parts per unit of product are counted. This method involves
extraction procedures that are time-consuming and require highly trained personnel using
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved procedures, and it is not used by the DoD.

G. Immunoassay. Molecular tools such as immunoassay analysis are becoming increasing

sophisticated and are gaining more widespread use. Immunoassay detection of stored
product insects is a relatively new technique for monitoring infestations. One procedure
uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) designed to detect grain insect pest
contamination. This is a simple but highly sensitive method of detecting minute quantities
of specific insect protein in grain and milled grain. The test is intended for use by the grain
industry, FDA, and USDA. It is not used by the DoD.

H. Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Infrared CO2 analysis can detect CO2 emitted by insects inside
or outside kernels of grain. The procedure has been reported as being better at detecting
infestations than present USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) standard
procedures. However, it is more time consuming than traditional monitoring methods. The
most likely use of this method would be in monitoring bulk grain storage. Its use by DoD
is not considered to be practical at this time.

I. Product Incubation. This method of monitoring can be used to confirm an in-product

infestation. Samples of suspect product are collected (preferably at receipt) and held at a
temperature and humidity that would optimize insect development. The product should be
overwrapped with a heavy, clear plastic bag. The bag can be quickly checked for the
presence of insects or the product can be sieved. A major drawback of this method is that it
may take a few weeks before insects are observed. Additionally, an environmental
chamber, temperature cabinet, or similar equipment may be needed to incubate the samples.

Section 4. Selected Bibliography

Campbell, J.F., M. A. Mullen and A.K. Dowdy. 2002. Monitoring stored-product pests in
food processing plants with pheromone trapping, contour mapping and mark- recapture.
Journal of Economic Entomology 95(5):1089-1101.

Gorham, J.R. (editor). 1991. Insect and mite pests in food: an illustrated key, Vols. 1 and
2. Agriculture handbook no. 655. United States Department of Agriculture,
Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland. (see Appendix D for a link to this
literature)

Trece, Incorporated. 2011. The IPM Partner, guidelines for stored product insect
monitoring. URL: http://www.trece.com/PDF/PHEROCON_book.pdf.

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Turner, Bryan. 2002. Current trends in stored product pest research. Division of Life
Science, Kings College, London.

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 Appendix A

Examples of Pheromone Traps Used for Monitoring

Stored-Product Insects

1. Cardboard Beetle Traps: The trap has a corrugated cardboard insert that holds the lure(s)
and a plastic tray for the food attractant.

a. Vertically mounted trap. This trap is designed primarily to trap khapra beetle and
other Trogoderma species. It uses a food oil to attract larvae, and pheromone for adult
males. The trap mounts on walls and pillars and is less likely to be damaged by activities
in its environs.

b. Horizontally positioned traps. This style of trap uses food oil lure to attract larvae or
beetles with long adult stages (e.g., sawtoothed grain beetle and Tribolium spp.) and up to 4
lures. The trap needs to lie flat to prevent spillage of the oil attractant.

2. Other Beetle Traps:

a. Cigarette beetle trap. This trap was designed specifically for the cigarette beetle. The
trap needs to stand upright and should not be used in dusty areas.

b. Dome trap. This trap is for Tribolium spp., Oryzaephilus spp., and Lasioderma spp.
The trap can be placed on the floor or mounted on a shelf. It is a modified pitfall trap that
incorporates a pheromone bait and food attractant. This trap works well in dusty areas.

3. Hanging Traps: These traps are designed primarily for moths but will also collect flying
beetles (e.g., cigarette beetle, lesser grain borer, flying species of Trogoderma). Multiple
lures can be placed in each trap.

a. Delta trap. A durable trap design that uses replaceable glue-coated inserts for
collecting insects. Open on the ends only.

b. Wing trap. A three-piece trap. The bottoms are replaceable and available with grids.

c. Diamond trap. The trap is a one-piece design.

d. Hanging pitfall trap. This trap is constructed of rigid plastic. It is designed for long-
term use and has a large capacity. The trap requires either liquid or other material (e.g., a
piece of “no-pest strip”) in the bottom to kill the collected insects. The pheromone lure
mounts in the top of the trap.

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 Appendix B

Standard Insect Monitoring Systems, Pheromones,

and Replacement Kits

Manufacturer & Part

National Stock Number Comments
Number

3740-01-473-1038 Trece 3311-00 Indian meal Moth Lures; 100/bx

Indian meal Moth; 25 lures and 25

3740-01-473-1042 Trece 3653-25
traps/bx.

3740-01-473-1039 Trece IMM-10 Indian meal Moth; 10 lures/pkg.

3740-01-418-1929 Trece 122514 Indian meal Moth, 100 lures/bg

Pherocon 1C trap kit: 3 traps, 3
3740-01-414-8117 Trece 3653-13
sticky liners, and 3 IMM lures.

25IMM lures per bag. 1 year shelf

3740-01-414-8118 Trece 3153-25 life at room temperature, 2 years if
refrigerated, and 3 years if frozen.

25 CFB/RFB lures per bag. 1 year

3740-01-414-8123 Trece 3156-25
shelf life at room temperature.

25 KB/WB per bag. 1 year shelf

3740-01-414-8124 Trece 3155-25
life at room temperature.

Dome kit for khapra and

warehouse beetles. 1 year shelf life.
3740-01-414-9391 Trece 3565-01
Kit contains 5 traps, 5 lures, and food
oil attractant.

Dome kit for red and confused

flour beetles. 1 year shelf life. Kit
3740-01-414-9393 Trece 3566-01
contains 5 traps, 5 lures, and food oil
attractant.

Dome kit for sawtoothed grain and

merchant beetles. Kit contains 5
3740-01-414-9395 Trece 3567-01
traps and oil food attractant (no
pheromone lures).

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 Manufacturer & Part
National Stock Number Comments
Number
25 CB lures per bag. 2 year shelf life
3740-01-414-9397 Trece 3162-25
if refrigerated or frozen.

25 LGB lures per bag. 1 year shelf

3740-01-414-9399 Trece 3158-25
life at room temperature.

3740-01-418-5107 Trece 3302-00 Pherocon IC traps. 100 per case.

3740-01-418-5110 Trece 3303-25

CFB/RFB: confused flour beetle/red flour beetle

KB/WB: khapra beetle/warehouse beetle
CB: cigarette beetle
LGB: lesser grain borer/larger grain borer

Additional commercial pheromone trap information:

1. Trece STORGARD: www.trece.com
2. Insects Limited: www.insectslimited.com

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 Appendix C

DD Form 1222, Request for and Results of Tests

This form is available on the DoD Publications web site at

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/eforms/dd1222.pdf

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