Combination of sulfuryl floride with heat to control the mold mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acarina: Acaridae), a serious pest of country hams

Control of ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, has been done by fumigation with methyl bromide (MB), an ozone depleting agent that is being banned globally. The search for effective MB alternatives for controlling ham mites continues. We studied the effects of the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (SF) in combination with heat for mortality of ham mite. Variation in fumigant exposure time, temperature and fumigant concentration was evaluated. Groups of eggs, mixed immature stages and adults were exposed for different time periods and variable SF concentrations at 25, 30, 35, and 40°C. At the temperature of 40°C, all adults and nymphs died after 12 hrs, while eggs were controlled after 36 hrs at SF concentrations of 1400 (oz.-hr). After 48 hrs exposure time, the temperature of 35°C caused 100% mortality in adults and nymphs, however there was 100% mortality of eggs at 40°C with the same amount of SF. When mite eggs were exposed to different SF concentrations for 36 hrs at 36 °C, 92% mortality was measured at 1440 (oz.-hr). This study suggests that combining SF with heat may be an effective alternative to methyl bromide.