Comparison of spinetoram, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole against life stages of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on concrete

•Spinteroam, chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were compared.•Spinetoram was more effective on concrete against Tribolium confusum.•Pupae and eggs of this species were not controlled.•Chlorantraniliprole had a slight ovicidal effect.•Young larvae were more susceptible than adults or old larvae.

Spinetoram, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole are new insecticides with novel mode of actions, low mammalian toxicity and low impact to environment. In the present study, the efficacy of these insecticides was tested against Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val on concrete. Among the tested insecticides, spinetoram proved to be more effective, providing complete control of T. confusum adults and young larvae after 14 days of exposure. For the young larvae, thiamethoxam at the highest dose and chlorantraniliprole at both doses were equally effective with spinetoram. On the other hand, none of the tested insecticides were able to control T. confusum pupae. Moreover, none of the insecticides had ovicidal effect, with the exception of chlorantraniliprole in some combinations. From the mobile life stages, the most tolerant life stages were old larvae and the most susceptible young larvae. The presence of food (flour) moderated T. confusum mortality. From the results of the present study, we can conclude that spinetoram, thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole showed potential and need be further evaluated for surface treatments in stored product facilities. Our work underlined the need for good cleaning and sanitation procedures in warehouses and food processing facilities.