The effect of Lindane vapour on stored product insects

Abstract

To assess the insecticidal effect of vapour originating from small quantities of Lindane at a temperature of 25°C. (77° F.) twelve series of experiments were conducted in which stored product insects in closed fumigation chambers were subjected to the vapour from decreasing dosages of Lindane deposits (200-5 mg. per cub. ft.). The correctly measured quantity of the insecticide evenly distributed on surfaces of equal size was achieved by impregnating sheets of paper with a Lindane solution of desired strengths. The following insect species were included in the tests: - Triboleum confusum Duval, Sitophilus (Calandra) granaria L., Rhizopertha dominica F., Acheta bimaculata de G., Dermestes vulpinus F. larvae, and Tineola bisselliella Hummel larvae. The susceptibility of the different insect species varied considerably, but vapour originating from 5 mg. Lindane in one cubic foot of air was sufficiently toxic to produce a complete kill or high mortality after several days of exposure. The period until death supervenes does not correspond with the dosage applied. The mortality rate is dependent rather on the length of exposure. This principle is recommended for long term protection of stored products and for the control of insect pests in enclosed spaces.