Mealworms and how to controll them

Task 6

Determine measures by which to establish the levels of pest problems-both on plants and on animals- and develop control programs for the various pests. Include cost quotes for products and services as well as equipment lists. Create a policies and procedures indicating the process and regularity of control required.

As part of our cultivating food for animals we breed with mealworms. This can pose a problem as they are considered a pest in South Africa. This means we have to look at our storage methods so that they cannot get out in the first place, and second, them not getting into the dry food.

Therefore the policies and procedures for using anything in the dry store should be.

· Container used to dish/scoop out dry food must be dry.

· Container used for storing dry goods must be sealed properly.

· Container used for storing dry goods must stay in a cool and dry place.

· When the container is leaking or broken it must be replaced as soon as possible.

· Dry spills must be swept up and disposed of as soon as possible. Check under containers to make sure none stayed behind as this will attract the beetles.

The Policies and Procedures for handing the mealworms should be:

· When you are done removing worms for feeding you must close the containers properly.

· When you are done feeding the worms close container properly.

How can you get rid of them?

• If lots of beetles are found indoors you should check all the kitchen cupboards for spilled food or infested bags of flour etc. Check the bases of cupboards and behind appliances for scraps of old food that you may not be aware of.
• Check in lofts and roof spaces for old birds’ nests.
• If you have had pest control treatment for rats or mice it might be worth checking floorboards for old corpses.
• Clean up thoroughly and throw away any old or infested stocks of food.
• Use an insecticide spray sold for 'crawling insects' that is labelled as safe for use in kitchen areas. Always read the label of an insecticide before deciding to buy it and follow the safety guidelines when using them.
• After you have treated, be aware that further mealworms may hatch so you may need to keep treating until all the eggs have hatched out and infestation has completely gone.