Alternatives to Methyl Bromide; Integrated Pest Management in Danish Flour Mills

Preface

Methyl bromide has been extensively used as a fumigant for insects in flour mills.Following the Danish Ministry of the Environments notice NR. 478 3 June 1994, prohibiting the use of Methyl bromide after 1998, there was a need to find alternative treatments and methods of controlling pests in flour mills. This need forms the basis for this project.

Initial project

The aim of the project is to examine information collected from the flour mills together with the experience gathered through many years of pest control, thereafter to provide guidelines for establishing a system of pest control without the use of methyl bromide which is least harmful to the environment.

This project also aims to determine whether it is feasible to commence a major project concerning the implementation of an alternative method of pest control to methyl bromide, in the flour mills.

The primary target group is the Danish milling industry, but the results could help promote the use of alternative pest control in other European countries and within other sectors of the food industry.

Possible methods

The project focuses primarily on preventive pest control methods through the development of integrated pest management strategies. There are also brief descriptions of alternative methods and treatments to methyl bromide, which could be used in the case of sudden acute infestation.

Expertise

The project group have drawn upon the knowledge of foreign experts and have exchanged information regarding trials and experiences in foreign mills. Amongst these have been Dr. Christoph Reichmuth "Institut für Vorratsschutz", Berlin and David Müller "Insects Limited Inc". USA.

Financial support

The project was supported by "Rådet for Genanvendelse og Mindre Forurenende Teknologi", who paid 50% of the costs.
The project was carried out by members of "Forening af Danske Handelsmøller" and "A/S Skadedyrcentralen" who provided the remainder of the costs. Chairman for the control group was Michael Høst Rasmussen, Miljøstyrelsen.