New Webinar: Integrating Long-Lasting Insecticide Netting into IPM Programs after Harvest

Even after harvest, farmers can lose crop yield to hungry insects that invade storage locations. In the past, these pests were controlled with fumigants, but current methods rely heavily on the use of phosphine in tablet or container form. While there are several reasons to use less fumigation, resistance to phosphine is an important one. 

Dr. Rob Morrison, research entomologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, and his colleagues have been researching the use of long-lasting insecticide netting as a control method for insect control efforts in storage facilities.

These nets contain insecticides and are placed away from food products. They serve as a physical barrier that insects must cross to access stored grains. When insects come into contact with the net, even for a brief period, their movements decrease. Longer exposure often leads to death;  a 70% (or higher) mortality rate was observed. 

Long-lasting insecticide netting could be placed over vents, openings or inside storage warehouses to separate areas that are used for different purposes. While the insecticide nets do not repel insects, they can also be used in tandem with other common integrated pest management practices that are already used in storage facilities. Examples of current strategies include fumigation in bulk storage, along with residual insecticide usage in warehouses. 

Even better, long-lasting insecticide netting is effective against phosphine-resistant insect populations. Multiple active ingredients were tested in the nets, including dinotefuran, indoxacarb, and permethrin. All performed well. 

Use of insecticide netting can also reduce the need for fumigation in bulk storage. A grain bin study found that bins protected by insecticide netting had 83% to 99% fewer insects, almost no reproduction, and a significantly lower rate of grain damage. Reduced fumigation could drastically lessen chemical inputs and associated costs.

Dr. Morrison also shared data on combining long-lasting insecticide netting with residual insecticides in warehouse settings. This approach further reduced insect dispersal and survival by 10% to 20% compared to single treatments. 

Watch the full video to learn more about the opportunities for using long-lasting insecticide netting in crop storage facilities. 

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