Non-chemical integrated pest management (IPM) methods: exclusion
Technical note on non-chemical methods of integrated pest management (IPM): exclusion, with a focus on diagnosis, prevention and criteria applicable to professional pest management.
The most efficient way to prevent the appearance of pest organisms in the industry is to prevent their entry. It is true that these practices are usually part of physical control; The fundamental difference is summarized at the time of implementation of the exclusion measures. If the pest is installed within the industry, any measure implemented from that moment on will be part of the physical control. On the other hand, these measures will be purely preventive for future pests, hence the name exclusion.
Exclusion systems
Generally an exclusion system is represented by a physical component, for example a door, and a human component, for example the action of closing the door. If either of these two components were defective, the system as such would cease to exist.
Sometimes, the automation of physical components facilitates the proper functioning of systems. Human behaviors are far from being automated; Therefore, it is essential to correctly educate plant personnel.
Among the physical components used in exclusion are doors, double doors, gates, windows, mosquito nets, plastic curtains, drain grates, etc. In turn, these require accessories that promote their proper functioning. These are weather stripping, brushes under the door, baseboards and other materials that in one way or another increase airtightness.
Air curtains can be highly efficient. To do this, they must cover the total width of the opening to be protected and generate an air current equivalent to 8.7 meters per second at 40 centimeters from the ground.
Regarding this point, it is usual for the air generators to be placed over the openings and in a horizontal position. In this way the air flow turns out to be perpendicular to the floor. In the area where the air impacts, turbulence and air convection are generated. This generates a four-centimeter horizontal band where the vertical current is interrupted and the insects can walk through it.
To avoid this, the ideal is to place air generators vertically with the nozzles directed slightly outwards at an angle of 12 to 15 degrees, depending on the type of equipment.
The greatest efficiency is achieved by combining one, two or more exclusion systems. Hermetic gates associated with air curtains usually create barriers that are difficult to access for pest organisms. At this point, system automation becomes really important: it is very effective that an air curtain is activated together with the opening of the gate.
Additionally, the use of plastic curtains reinforces the airtightness of the environments. It is important that the curtains are made of transparent PVC bands 2,040 microns thick and 20 centimeters wide. These bands should overlap by 25 to 50 percent to achieve a good closure.
Failures in exclusion
Determining exclusion problems is a simple task for the IPM professional. Generally the difficult thing is to get the person in charge of the plant to see them, accept them and finally correct them.
However, where professional opinion is considered and there is investment in exclusion systems, the systems are not always effective. This is because the systems are easily manipulated by man. It is common to find plastic curtains rolled up on themselves, open doors jammed with trash cans or grilles removed.
Due to the above, it must be emphasized how important it is to educate plant personnel. Having the support of staff is essential in order to prevent the appearance of pests. High chances of lack of success arise from poor implementation of exclusion systems. It is common for defective systems to be installed: gates without lower or side weather stripping, plastic curtains without adequate overlap between bands, a minimum of 25 percent on each side, are some examples of this type of inconvenience.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, preventing the appearance of pests is much more economical than controlling them.
The industry does not usually consider problems with insects or rodents until they receive a complaint from a consumer. Because of this, investments in exclusion systems are often relegated. It is advisable that each person responsible for the area related to pest control listen to and interpret the professional in charge of this activity. Every investment made to improve exclusion contributes to obtaining high quality products.
Finally, primary importance must be given to staff training. Human capital is the fundamental piece of any system; Without capable people, the appearance of pests cannot be prevented.