Psocids in stored food commodities and their control.

Psocids, Liposeelis spp. in particular, are commonly encountered in warehouses, food
processing units and in kitchens. They thrive well because of their diverse food habits, and are
problems for concern in countries of temperate and tropical regions. Apart f rom food,
temperature arid relative humidity are the critical factors for their survival and multiplication.
Some species have the remarkable ability to maintain water balance by absorbing water from the
atmosphere arid also to withstand starvation for a considerable period. The tiny insects are less
susceptible to synthetic pyrethroids, and their eggs are tolerant to fumigants and high carbon
dioxide atmospheres. Besides fumigation and prophylaxis, maintenance of hygiene in the premises
is important to contain the psocid menace in India and elsewhere.