1.1 Insect and mite pests of plant and animal
products may be carried into the cargo holds with goods (introduced
infestation); they may move from one kind of product to another (cross-infestation)
and may remain to attack subsequent cargoes (residual infestation).
Their control may be required to comply with phytosanitary requirements
to prevent spread of pests and for commercial reasons to prevent infestation
and contamination of, or damage to, cargoes of human and animal food
both raw and processed materials. Although fumigants may be used to
kill rodent pests, the control of rodents on board ships is dealt
with separately. In severe cases of infestation of bulk cargoes such
as cereals, excessive heating may occur.
1.2 The following sections provide guidance to
shipmasters in the use of pesticidesfootnote with
a view to safety of personnel. They cover pesticides used for the
control of insectfootnote and rodent pests
in empty and loaded cargo holds.