What are the four categories of stored product pests?

The four categories of stored product pests are best classified as internal feeders, external feeders, scavengers, and secondary pests. This classification is important because it helps pest control professionals understand the different behaviors and life cycles of pests that infest stored products.

Internal feeders are those that primarily feed on the contents of stored products, penetrating the material and often making it difficult to detect their presence until significant damage has occurred. External feeders feed on the outside of packaged materials or the surfaces of products, often consuming spilled residues. Scavengers are pests that tend to feed on products that are broken or spoiled, effectively cleaning up waste but potentially contaminating the stored goods. Secondary pests are those that typically invade after primary pests have caused damage, taking advantage of the weakened state of the stored products.

Understanding these categories allows professionals to target their pest management strategies effectively, ensuring that they address the specific types of pests present in a given situation.