Rhyzopertha
Control
Control
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### Physical

Commercial and agricultural methods are being implemented to manage infestation and pest control of *R. dominica*. Approaches includes minimizing pest migration and build\-up within [grain storage](/wiki/Grain_storage "Grain storage") areas, through thorough cleaning of the equipment before harvest, sealing storage, spraying bins and units, and cleaning up any grain spills. Close monitoring of the temperature in storage areas is a crucial step of managing, as it can influence the insect population. Harvested wheat temperatures ranging from  is optimal for insect reproduction and growth. *R. dominica* are more vulnerable to the cold than other grain pests. Temperatures below  are unfavourable for *R. dominica* to maintain their bodily activities. To compensate, they become dormant, but this greatly increases their susceptibility to death at temperatures of  or lower. Thus, aeration or grain drying, where grain is mechanically ventilated, can also be used to manage infestation through the maintenance of low temperatures in storage areas. Unfortunately, *R. dominica* cannot be completely controlled solely with aeration. Although it is recommended for quality of grains, feasible and effective in reducing insect growth rate, damage from fungi and moisture.

### Biological

Predation by natural enemies of *R. dominica*, arthropod species, are insufficient methods of biological control due to their low numbers as compared to fecundity of *R. dominica*. Moreover, the natural predators and parasitoids can fall prey themselves to other types of organisms, which is quite disadvantageous. This in tandem with their deep burrowing feature, which allows them to successfully escape predation and risk, allows for effective *R. dominica* proliferation.

### Chemical

Insecticide grain protectants worldwide are also ineffective for *R. dominica* management. Many of these protectants are either not effective or the pest has developed [resistance](/wiki/Insecticide_resistance "Insecticide resistance") to them. The protectant include [organophosphorus insecticides](/wiki/Organophosphorus_insecticide "Organophosphorus insecticide") such as [chlorpyrifos methyl](/wiki/Chlorpyrifos_methyl "Chlorpyrifos methyl"), [fenitrothion](/wiki/Fenitrothion "Fenitrothion"), [pirimiphos methyl](/wiki/Pirimiphos_methyl "Pirimiphos methyl") and [malathion](/wiki/Malathion "Malathion"). When infestations become severe, [fumigation](/wiki/Fumigation "Fumigation") is a suggested form of control. The fumigant [phosphine](/wiki/Phosphine "Phosphine") is key to controlling *R. dominica* since it targets all insect life stages, is easy to utilize, effective, feasible, and is a residue\-free tactic. Unfortunately, due to active dispersal, *R. dominica* also actively spreads its [resistance genes](/wiki/Pesticide_resistance "Pesticide resistance"). Other alternatives such as the use of [ozone](/wiki/Ozone "Ozone") as a fumigant is also being tested on immature stages, larvae or pupae, which are more prone to being effected as compared to adults. 
Aside from the evolution of resistance, the internal feeding technique of *R. dominica* confers protection from potential insecticides by creating safe spaces and shelter within the grain mass. Further studies suggest that fumigants are not the only method of detecting and pest management implemented in the grain industry. Research shows that soft [x\-ray](/wiki/X-ray "X-ray") methods are also being used to identify potential infested wheat kernels. Despite all efforts to manage *R. dominica*, they remain a detrimental pest in the production of [wheat](/wiki/Wheat "Wheat"), [rice](/wiki/Rice "Rice") and [pasta](/wiki/Pasta "Pasta").


Why are predator and parasitoids insufficient methods of biological control?