University of Florida

Nan-Yao Su
Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
Westes L. A. Osbrink
Period of Activity: 4/86 to 6/88

Project Abstract
Methyl bromide has been an effective fumigant for dermestid beetles; however, its potential for producing malodorous compounds in some animal products is unsatisfactory for museum application. Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride) has proven to be a likely substitute, yet little is known of its efficacy for dermestids. This study produced that information, not just for the museum community but for all users of Vikane space fumigant.

Primary Publications
Su, Nan-Yao, and R. H. Scheffrahn, "Efficacy of Sulfuryl Fluoride Against Four Beetle Pests of Museums (Coleoptera: Dermestidae, Anobiidae)," Journal of Economic Entomology, Vol. 83, Nš 3, June 1990, pp. 879-882.

ABSTRACT-Efficacy of sulfuryl fluoride against adult, larvae, and eggs of four coleopterans: furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes (LeC ); black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.) cigarette beetle , Lasioderma serricorne (F.); and hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus (DeG.), were determined. Adults were generally more susceptible to sulfuryl fluoride than were larvae. Eggs were the most tolerant, requiring 7-30 fold of fumigant to kill than adults and larvae. Our results indicated that the accumulative dose required to kill 99% of A. flavipes was 156 mg h/liter. This rate exceeds current recommended rate (approximately 72 mg h/l) of sulfuryl fluoride for control of carpet beetles. Eggs of cigarette beetle exposed to higher concentrations of sulfuryl fluoride developed at a slower rate. For a multiple-fumigation Dermestes maculatus (DeG.), were determined. Adults were generally more susceptible to sulfuryl fluoride than were larvae. Eggs were the most tolerant, requiring 7-30 fold of fumigant to kill than adults and larvae. Our results indicated that the practice intended to control adults and larvae instead of eggs, the delayed embryonic development of eggs exposed to the sublethal dose of sulfuryl fluoride should be taken into account in determining the timing between fumigations.