In the food sector, we are witnessing the periodic emergence of certain pests that sometimes disappear into anonymity within a short time, while others remain and spread. This is the recent case of Nemapogon granellus in dairy production and Piophila casei in ham factories.

In the same years, starting in 2015, the spread of Necrobia rufipes (Coleoptera: Cleridae) has been certified, particularly in the pet food industry (1), where we can also find some species of the genus Dermestes with which they share the protein diet of the clerid.

N. rufipes is now the cause of significant infestations in the high-quality raw ham industry, adding to the problem of P. casei, where, however, cohabitation with Dermestes spp., which is probably more thermophilic, does not seem to occur.
Once these pests have established themselves, the possibilities for combating them are limited, and as a general rule, it is advisable to focus control measures on prevention, surveillance, identification of outbreaks, their elimination and general cleaning.
Surveillance is complicated by the limited monitoring tools available, which must be used optimally.

Once these pests have established themselves, the possibilities for combating them are limited, and as a general rule it is advisable to focus control measures on prevention, surveillance, identification of outbreaks, their elimination and general cleaning.

Surveillance is complicated by the limited monitoring tools available, which must be used optimally.

N. granellus is the only species for which we have a sex pheromone, but the low temperatures at which it can be used may limit its diffusion and range of action, so it is necessary to set up a rational network of traps.

Similarly, the food attractants and traps developed in GEA laboratories for P. casei, N. rufipes and Dermestes spp. must be placed in sufficient numbers and in appropriate locations, taking into account not only a decrease in the emission of volatile substances but also competition from other food sources.

1) Savoldelli S., Frignani M., Süss L., Necrobia rufipes (De Geer): ein neu auftretender Schädling im Zusammenhang mit einer Tierhandelskette in Europa. 12. Internationale Arbeitskonferenz zum Schutz gelagerter Produkte (IWCSPP) in Berlin, Deutschland, 7. bis 11. Oktober 2018.