MARCH 2020
Not under bright lights, especially at night - many insects, especially moths, are attracted to bright industrial lights and may then seek shelter or lay eggs on any objects near the lit areas.
Off the ground, ideally atop a dry riser and/or on a solid surface (such as a concrete floor) - this will lessen the chance of soil, mud, or waterborne species splashing, soaking, or tunneling into the conveyance, thereby contaminating it- this may apply to pests like nematodes, imported fire ants, terrestrial snails, and other soil and water-based invasive species.
Not in grassy or weedy open yard areas - this lessens the chance that invasive species such as insects and snails found in the plants will lay their eggs or seek shelter within the conveyance’s structure or surfaces.
Know your local pest situation and consider how to best protect your business- different places have different pest threats that will apply to their area. Some problems, like the spotted lanternfly, are only in a very specific area at this time. Others, like the brown marmorated stink bug, are found in almost all 50 states and in four Canadian provinces. In the USA, it might be wise to speak with your State Plant Health Director (SPHD) to learn what local invasive species concerns apply to the
storage of pallets. Find your SPHD here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/ppq-program-
overview/ct_sphd. In Canada, the Forestry branch of your Provincial Natural Resources department is your preferred point of contact.
Once you understand your local pest situation, take steps during peak risk seasons if identified- some pests have specific risks associated with the seasons, such as when the pest is prone to flying long distances, or when they lay eggs. Learning these specific peak risk seasons can help you protect your business most effectively. This information should be available from your State Plant Health Director or Provincial Natural Resource officer.
All trade activities contain some risk for the accidental movement of invasive species. By combining the treatment requirements of ISPM15 with the best management practices outlined above, the pallet industry can further minimize the risk of their product bearing both infesting and contaminating pest types.
At right, the brown marmorated stink bug.