Press Release

Thu 12th Feb 2004
Protect your Crops from Profit-Sapping Pests The last five months have seen above average infestations of insects in stored grain due to 2003 having one of the hottest, driest and earliest harvests on record. The resulting storage of the hot, harvested grain has provided the perfect breeding conditions for stored product insects.

It is therefore imperative that any farmer or storekeeper with commodities/products in store monitors thoroughly for insect infestation and has them treated effectively.

Igrox, one of the country’s leading pest control companies recommend Phosphine Gas Fumigation as it is a simple, effective and value-for- money way of controlling grain store pests. Through careful development, Igrox have produced the best system that current technology will allow to ensure even distribution and complete efficacy, minimising wastage and reducing treatment costs.

Aluminium phosphide is introduced into the stored grain, typically in special sachets that allow phosphine gas movement both in and out whilst still retaining the product. The grain surface is then sealed with polythene sheeting. As the aluminium phosphide comes into contact with atmospheric moisture, Phosphine gas and aluminium hydroxide are produced. The PH3 gas is normally either allowed to move passively throughout the grain or, for larger or more difficult bulks, the gas is drawn through the grain and re-circulated by carefully located, specifically designed fans ensuring even distribution and complete efficacy.

The treatment time required for successful phosphine fumigation will vary between 4 and 20 days. Because Phosphine controls all life cycle stages of the target pests, without leaving residues, the bulk can be moved immediately or safely stored for many months. Phosphine fumigations can be considered for preventative or curative treatments and provided the storage structure is, or can be made, sound enough to hold the gas for the required period of time then the process can be guaranteed to be successful.

The key benefits of the Igrox system are that Phosphine leaves no detectable pesticide residues and there is no need to move the infested grain either before or after the treatment. It also controls all stages of the target pest and eliminates the need for customer staff to handle toxic chemicals (COSHH regulations). Igrox will provide a certificate of treatment and a guarantee in most situations.

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For further information about Phosphine Fumigation please contact Peter Ingram: peter.ingram@igrox.co.uk

For media information please contact Mark Low: mark.low@igrox.co.uk