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

5. Conclusion

This preliminary project outlines some of the experiences, thoughts and ideas that will be necessary in connection with future pest control in Danish mills when Methyl bromide is no longer available from 1.1.98.

Several alternatives - Integrated Pest Management

There is today no single alternative to replace Methyl bromide in all its uses, though the combination of several alternatives may.
This combination of alternatives is called IPM (Integrated Pest Management).

Integrated Pest Management

IPM is a system, a continuous process, with the emphasis being on prevention, not cure.

The system ought to include the following points:

Integrated Pest Management as an alternative

When implementing an IPM-system as an alternative to Methyl bromide, attention must be paid to the following points:
(See section 4 - The start of IPM in a milling)

	A comprehensive survey of the site.
	An assessment of the potential risks.
	A detailed description of the preventive proofing and control needed.
	Access to all areas, and detailed full site plans.
	Knowledge of the material flow through the site.
	Working practices and cleaning routines.
	Structural modifications to "build out" pests.
	Future plans regarding new products, machinery or building alterations.
	Clear lines of communication and responsibility.

The system is built on frequent detailed inspections, including monitoring by traps, to determine and take the necessary action to eliminate any pest problem found together with clear documentation.
IPM appears to be effective and the project group is convinced that if used correctly, IPM can be a valid alternative to Methyl bromide. We still need more practical experience in order to determine the systems qualities as regards efficiency, economy and environmental soundness.

Main project

The initial starting point must be with the Danish mills and the attendant change of attitudes which will be necessary in implementing an IPM system.

It is expected that a main project would identify and assess the practical value of such a system, its efficiency-, economy-, and environmental-parameters.

The aims of the system must be clear and visible for everyone involved.
The system must be measurable as far as possible and documented both qualitatively and quantitatively concerning:

	Any agreements/contracts between the mill and an outside pest control contractor.
	The number and limits of any hygiene inspections.
	Communication at all levels of the hierarchy within the mill and with outside contractors.
	Training personnel in the recognition of pests / stored product insects, mites and rodents, and their use as indicators of plant hygiene
	Documentation, the content and filing of all reports concerning Integrated Pest Management.
	Quality control
	Testing new methods and assessing existing ones.
	Contingency plans in case of an acute infestation.

Although the above mentioned are all individual points they must be assessed as a whole, to be an alternative to Methyl bromide.

Only in a joint concept - a system - can the best solutions be determined and the system function as one.