Safe Method of Using Silica Aerogel to Control Stored-Product Beetles in Dwellings

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Abstract
Coatings of a silica aerogel insecticide applied to five adhesive substrates anchored the particles and prevented them from floating in air. Adults of the merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator Fauvel, exposed for 3 and 24 h to light and heavy coatings of silica aerogel died after exposure to light coatings up to 35 d old. Adults of the flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal, were less susceptible, but on one adhesive, 100% mortality occurred on heavy coatings up to 14 d old after a 3-h exposure, and up to 35 d old after a 24-h exposure. For both species, effectiveness depended on the type of adhesive, duration of insect exposure, and amount of silica aerogel particles. The method is safe for use in dwellings or similar confined spaces.