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THE MERCHANT GRAIN BEETLE, ORYZAEPHILUS MERCATOR (SILVANIDAE: COLEOPTERA), AS A HOUSEHOLD PEST IN CANADA1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

S. R. Loschiavo  and
D. Sabourin
S. R. Loschiavo
Affiliation:
Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2M9
D. Sabourin
Affiliation:
Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2M9
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Abstract

A 34-question interview relating to the occurrence, distribution, and economic importance of the merchant grain beetle was administered to a random sample of 2341 dwellings in Winnipeg in 1971 and 1152 dwellings in 1980. The results showed that a higher percentage of apartments and other multiple dwellings were infested by this insect than were houses. Using the Winnipeg survey figure, we estimate that the total cost of infestation in Canadian residences was $2.9 million in 1971 and $6 million in 1980. These figures do not include the costs of commercial pest control services. Oatmeal and flour were infested most frequently in 1971 with mixed cereal most frequent in 1980. After food, the next most frequent sources of beetles in kitchens were cupboard shelves and breadboards. Most people who found beetles in a food product discarded the infested product and adjacent foods whether or not they were infested. The results of the surveys suggest that the merchant grain beetle is a widespread and economically important household pest in Canada, particularly in apartments where is it a chronic problem.

Résumé

Une enquête de 34 questions sur la fréquence, la distribution et l'importance économique du cucujide des grains a été menée auprès de 2 341 résidents de Winnipeg choisis au hasard en 1971. L'enquête a été reprise en 1980 sur 1152 habitants. Les résultats confirment que cet insecte infeste plus d'appartements et de condominiums que de maisons et que le coût total estimé des infestations au Canada était de 2.9 millions de dollars en 1971 comparativement à 6 millions en 1980. Ces chiffres ne tiennent pas compte des coûts des services commerciaux d'extermination. L'avoine et la farine étaient les produits les plus fréquemment touchés en 1971, tandis qu'en 1980, les céréales mélangées avaient pris la première place. Les tablettes des armoires de cuisine et les planches à pain sont, après les aliments, la principale source d'infestation. La plupart des gens qui trouvent un produit infesté jettent aussi bien la nourriture voisine, infestée ou non, que le produit coupable. Cette enquête prouve que la cucujide des grains est un ravageur répandu et économiquement important au Canada, en particulier dans les appartements où il présente un problème chronique.

Type
Articles
Information
The Canadian Entomologist , Volume 114 , Issue 12 , December 1982 , pp. 1163 - 1169
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1982

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References

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