Question

State one indicator each for infestation by insects and rodents in stored food grains. Describe one method each for controlling the population of insects and rodents.

Answer 1

Hint: Foul smell, holes in bags, excreta, eggs, or larvae are some signs of insect and rodent infestation and some control methods are reducing the moisture content, regular inspection, fumigation, and usage of rodenticide.

Complete answer:
• Indicator of insect pest infestation and its control: clustering of grains, foul smell, presence of larvae, feces, decay or powder, weevilled grains indicate insect infestation.

• Methods to control an insect infestation is regular inspection and fumigation. In this process, EDM capsules are wrapped in a cloth and placed in the bottom of the grains and are broken into pieces. The bags of grains are kept airtight and fumes of EDM kills the insect without affecting the plants.

• Indicator of rodent infestation and its control: Holes in bags, rodent droppings in and around the bag, signs of chewed grains are indications of rodents. Shredded paper, clothes, dried plant matter are nesting material which is one of the major rodent infection indicators. Indicators also include chewed up food material and holes through the walls.

• The major control method is using rodenticide. This rodenticide and flour are mixed in equal proportion and this is an effective method for rodent control. Rodents can also be trapped by setting up traps with food materials in it to lure them in.

Note: For insects: Foul smell, presence of larvae, powder are indicators and fumigation is the control method.
For rodents: Holes in bags, excreta, semi chewed grains are the indicators and the use of rodenticide is the control method.