Integrated Pest Management perceptions and practices and insect populations in grocery stores in south-central United States

Abstract

Objectives of this study were to examine Integrated Pest Management (IPM) perceptions and practices in grocery stores, and to quantify by location, the occurrence and abundance of stored product insects. The first objective was accomplished by surveying grocery store employees of 322 grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas using a 28 question survey. Grocers lacked knowledge of IPM practices, yet over half were interested in learning more about IPM. Present management practices are pesticide intensive with limited use of alternatives including sanitation, stock rotation and trapping. Presently, grocers depend on pest control companies to find and control problem insects in the store. Insects reported by grocers as problems were weevils, cockroaches, flies and ants. Extensive trapping in eight Oklahoma grocery stores targeted pet foods, cake mixes, and back room areas. Trapping studies showed stored product insects were abundant in all stores. The most prevalent insects found in traps included the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner); merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel); and drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum (L.). Stored product insects were concentrated in pet food areas and were readily found in the stores.