In collaboration with other projects, doners, national and international NGOs Al-Thuraya conducts studies, training and capacity building to:
- To inspect for signs of insects and/or rodents:
• Inspect seals for signs of insects (gently run blunt edge of knife along crack in bag).
• Inspect between bags for signs.
• Inspect under pallets for signs.
• After sweeping examine the sweepings for insects before burning.
Following an inspection for pests, it is necessary to decide whether the existing pest problem is sufficient to require immediate pest control, whether a treatment is needed to prevent an anticipated pest problem, or whether no treatment is needed.
- Degree of infestation:
• Light: occasionally see an insect. Distribute as soon as possible.
• Medium: the infestation is evident and the insects often group together; the insects can be seen moving in and out of the bag/box. Fumigate.
• High: there are more insects than food; whole grains are turned to powder. Remove from the warehouse and dispose of as per regulations.
Fumigation and spraying with contact insecticides are expensive, and decisions about whether or not to use them should not be taken lightly. In any particular situation, the need for pest control is affected by:
• the acceptability of the pest numbers present.
• the suitability of the environment for the multiplication of these pests.
• how long the commodity is to be held before being consumed.
• for stocks that will be sent across borders, the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.