How should one fight bedbugs on potatoes? - briefly
Remove visibly infested potatoes and destroy them to halt spread. Clean the remaining tubers with hot water (minimum 60 °C), dry thoroughly, and store in a cool, dry environment to prevent further infestation.
How should one fight bedbugs on potatoes? - in detail
Effective control of bedbug infestations in stored potatoes requires a systematic approach that combines detection, sanitation, physical treatment, chemical options, and preventive measures.
First, conduct a thorough inspection. Separate any tubers that show signs of damage, such as darkened spots, excrement stains, or live insects. Use a bright light and magnifying glass to locate the pests, which tend to hide in crevices and under leaf remnants.
Second, remove contaminated material. Discard heavily infested potatoes, and place them in sealed bags before disposal. Clean storage containers with hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry completely. Eliminate all organic debris that could serve as shelter.
Third, apply temperature treatment. Expose potatoes to temperatures above 55 °C (131 °F) for at least 30 minutes, or chill them to below –10 °C (14 °F) for several days. Both heat and cold are lethal to the insects at all life stages.
Fourth, consider chemical control only when non‑chemical methods are insufficient. Use insecticides registered for stored‑product use, such as pyrethrin‑based sprays or grain‑protective fumigants, following label instructions precisely. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance development.
Fifth, explore biological options. Introduce natural predators like predatory mites that feed on bedbug eggs, or apply entomopathogenic fungi formulated for stored‑product pests. These agents reduce populations without leaving chemical residues.
Finally, implement preventive practices. Store potatoes in airtight, moisture‑controlled facilities; maintain temperature at 4–10 °C (39–50 °F); rotate stock regularly to avoid long‑term storage; and monitor with pheromone traps placed at entry points.
By integrating these steps—inspection, removal, temperature management, targeted chemicals, biological agents, and strict sanitation—operators can suppress bedbug presence in potato inventories and protect crop quality.