Which pesticide category is often used for stored-product pests and what is a critical handling tip?

• A. Fumigants or residual insecticides; ensure sealed storerooms and proper ventilation after treatment.
• B. Insect growth regulators; store in cool, dry places.
• C. Contact aerosols; shake well before use.
• D. Organic-approved repellents; apply only outdoors.

Answer: (A)

For stored-product pests, using fumigants or certain residual insecticides is the approach that reaches pests hidden in cracks, crevices, and within the bulk of grain or dry goods. The key handling tip is to seal the storeroom during treatment to contain the toxic fumigant, then ventilate (and ensure the space is safe for workers) after treatment according to the label. This keeps people safe and clears lingering fumes before reuse.

Other options don’t fit as well because insect growth regulators act mostly on developmental stages and aren’t the primary method for treating bulk stored products; storage advice like keeping goods in cool, dry places doesn’t address the need to apply a pesticide and manage exposure; contact aerosols are intended for surface spraying and may not effectively treat entire storage spaces; organic-approved repellents are not appropriate for interior, bulk storage pest control.