Jim Oakes
Supermarkets, food manufacturing facilities, food importers, pet food manufacturers and retail pet superstores are becoming more aware of pesticide residues in the products they sell. Similarly, consumers have become more demanding of the quality of the food they purchase and eat (and for that matter, feed to their pets). The costs of insect-infested and -damaged food products can be significant, with large retailers finding it to be a strain on profit margins. The increase of organically produced foods in the supermarkets tells the tale.
The use of insect pheromones has increased significantly in the past 10 to 15 years, with a growth rate of about 10 percent per year. The U.S. consumer, government regulations and insect resistance are each responsible for this growth and the use of stored product insect pheromones for monitoring and treating these insects. Stored product pest mating disruption techniques for Ephestia and Plodia moths are becoming standard in our industry. Mating disruption for cigarette beetles will be the next wave.
Stay vigilant: The food industry is changing. If your company isn’t yet engaged in this area of the pest control market, you’re missing a growth opportunity.
Jim Oakes is president and CEO of J.F. Oakes LLC.
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