FDA's stance on using pheromone traps in production areas?
Hello Everyone,
I am looking for information regarding the FDA's stance on using pheromone traps in production areas. I work in a bakery and we have an old overhead proof box that is notorious for having Confused Flour Beetle issues. What does the FDA say in regards to placing pheromone traps under, around or in a production machine? Obviously it wouldn't be placed in contact with any food contact surfaces.
Thank you for your time.
according to the EPA, here: http://www.epa.gov/p.../lr_faq_21.html
What are the labeling requirements for insect pheromone traps and lures when used to monitor insect activity in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated food processing plants and warehouses? Are the labeling requirements the same as traditional insecticides and rodenticides? LC10-0355; 05/26/10
Products, such as traps and lures, that (1) do not contain toxicants; (2) are intended only to attract pests for survey and detection purposes, and (3) are labeled accordingly (i.e., no pesticidal claims are made on labeling or in connection with sale or distribution of the product), are not considered to be pesticides by the Agency because they are not intended for a pesticidal purpose (see 40 CFR § 152.10(b)). Therefore, these products are not subject to any FIFRA requirements.
Further, pheromone traps and lures that are intended for a pesticidal purpose are exempt from the FIFRA registration requirement pursuant to 40 CFR § 152.25(b). However, such products remain subject to other FIFRA provisions, such as labeling requirements.
and here is a document from the military:
http://www.med.navy....ODUCT-PESTS.pdf
although i have not located specific info direct from the FDA....
The FDA “encourages the use of insect traps in grain and food storage pest management programs.”1 Pheromone traps are more effective than fogs and residual sprays because they allow the following two things:
Disruption of the typical insect mating cycle by confusing males and drawing them to a trap. This keeps them from seeking out females, thereby reducing the likelihood that the population will continue to grow.
Identification of breeding sites; the use of pheromone traps allows pest management professionals to hone in on problem areas and find the source of any given infestation. Traditional pesticide applications, such as fogs, merely treat a wide surface area to knock down existing populations, leaving eggs and larvae untouched and able to re-establish their numbers.
Dear Hezekiah Beecher,
Not in USA myself but based on a few previous product-related threads here, you may well find your options are determined by state legislatory rules.
However I daresay you have investigated this aspect already ?
Rgds / Charles.C
Pheromone traps are monitoring devices , not pesticide (cide means kill and pheromone traps do not kill or have poison). Check the label of the trap you want to use. If it is regulated it will say how. Your PCO should be able to place them effectively for you - monitor where the infestation is, but I'd try a target approach of rings of traps 30 ft 100 ft etc. You should be able to find where they are coming from and where they are going, and then get rid of traps that aren't in the infestation area. Find out where they are coming from and close any openings to the outside or toss the infested ingredients.
You'll never, ever get rid of them with pheromone traps. They are for monitoring. To get rid of them, you have to clean. Put it on your Master Sanitation Schedule and up the frequency / depth of your cleaning.