Penetration of Polyvinyl Chloride and Polypropylene Packaging Films by Ephestia cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae, and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Adults

Abstract

In response to a series of consumer complaints regarding insect contamination of chocolate-based consumables, a study was undertaken to evaluate the barrier qualities of 2 flexible, transparent films against 1st- and 5th-instar Ephestia cautella Walker and Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) larvae, and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val adults. It was found that the polypropylene film tested was resistant to penetration by each species, whereas a polyvinyl chloride film was only resistant to penetration by 1st instars of E. cautella. These results are discussed in the context of previous studies examining insect penetration of packaging materials, and with regard to the utility of categorizing insect pests of packaged goods as either invaders or penetrators. It is recommended that the confectioner in question investigate the feasibility of packaging products with a film that offers higher resistance against insect pests than the polyvinyl chloride film.