The protection of dried sea-fish in South Arabia from infestation by Dermestes frischii Kug. (Coleoptera, Dermestidae)

Abstract

Considerable damage is caused by insects to dried fish in South Arabia, Dermestes frischii Kug. being the predominant pest. Experiments have shown that infestations can be prevented by more thorough salting and drying. The effectiveness of some inert dusts and formulations of pyrethrum and malathion has been determined for the control of D. frischii on infested fish. Protective applications of pyrethrum and malathion were made at different stages of fish curing and storage. Dipping infested fish in emulsions containing 0·02 per cent pyrethrum or 0·0625 per cent malathion gave good control and subsequent protection. These treatments were less effective for the protection of freshly cured fish. The initial contamination by malathion and its rate of degradation varied with the species of fish.