Reesa

Abstract: The mortality of larvae of Anthrenus museorum (L.), Anthrenus verbasci (L.), Attagenus smirnovi Zhantiev, Attagenus woodroffei Hallstead and Green, Reesa vespulae (Milliron), Trogoderma angostura (Solier) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) was studied in freezing experiments at -18° to -20°C. An infestation by these pests was simulated inside heavy woolen material and upholstered furniture, i.e., in wood enclosed in heavy material. It is vitally important that air can circulate around the treated objects in the freezer. Times necessary for the temperature to reach equilibrium were 20 and 36 hours, respectively. Larvae that had been exposed to temperatures lower than -17.6°C for about 50 hours had all died, either immediately or as observed several months later. Freezing procedures using moderate temperatures must be based on time-temperature-mortality relationships for different stages of the relevant species. Previous conclusions that A. museorum is more resistant to low temperatures than several other dermestids are confirmed and acclimatisation suggested as the reason. Further investigations on the biochemical processes occurring in the insects during exposure to low temperatures could elucidate this further.

Abstract: Stored-product insect problems in New Zealand since 1970, and interceptions at quarantine since 1955 of potentially important species, are reviewed. Reesa vespulae (Milliron) and Sphaericus gibboides Boieldieu have recently been reported from New Zealand for the first time. Quarantine interceptions of potentially important species include Bruchus pisorum (L.), Trogoderma granarium Everts, T. variabile Ballion, and Anthrenus flavipes LeConte. During the 1970s insect (and mite) contamination of dried milk products occurred after long periods of storage. In North Island poultry houses mature larvae of Dermestes maculatus de Geer damaged structural timbers, and Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer occurred frequently and sometimes damaged polystyrene insulation. Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Stainton) larvae attacked carpets (many less than 6 years old), and after news media publicity 250 complaints of moth attack (72% due to H. pseudospretella) were reported to the New Zealand Wool Board from 8 November 1...