Rentokil, a leading pest control company, is set to introduce a new team of entosite parasitoid wasps to combat moth infestations in museums, heritage sites, and homes. These tiny wasps, measuring less than 0.5mm, parasitize moth eggs, preventing them from hatching and reproducing. This eco-friendly approach eliminates the need for toxic insecticides, making it a safer and more sustainable option for delicate fabrics.
The use of these parasitoid wasps is particularly beneficial for museums and historic venues with valuable textile collections that could be damaged by traditional removal methods. Entosite provides continuous protection as the wasps lay eggs inside the moth eggs, ensuring a steady supply to seek out and destroy new infestations.
Prof Charles Godfray, an expert in Population Biology at the University of Oxford, highlighted the importance of these tiny wasps as natural pest controllers. He mentioned success stories where parasitic wasps were introduced to combat mealybug infestations in Africa, benefiting crops and society. Similarly, specific parasitoid wasps have been used in UK tomato greenhouses to control pest issues without insecticides, providing a sustainable solution.
These parasitoid wasps, though rarely seen due to their small size and host-specific nature, play a vital role in biological control. Their introduction into various ecosystems has shown promising results in controlling pest populations without the need for harmful chemicals. With companies now selling these beneficial insects to the general public, the future of pest control seems to be heading towards more eco-friendly and sustainable options.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com