Reducing phorid fly pressure in mushroom production

Phorid flies are among the most challenging pests in commercial mushroom production, affecting crop quality and yields. Researchers are exploring how insecticidal netting can contribute to integrated pest management approaches in mushroom growing facilities.

For mushroom growers, crop loss can happen quickly. In growing houses, mushroom phorid flies (Megaselia halterata) can spread rapidly, damaging yields, increasing production costs, and placing sustained pressure on already tight margins.

In the United States, where Pennsylvania accounts for a significant share of mushroom production, this challenge carries serious implications for grower livelihoods. In some settings, infestations can place up to 40% of crop value at risk.

In 2025, Vestergaard explored the application of its insecticidal fabric expertise to mushroom growers, introducing a long-lasting insecticidal netting (LLIN-Ag) to help reduce pest pressure in a way that integrates with existing cultivation practices.

Early growing house evaluations demonstrated strong entomological performance, with more than 90% mortality of phorid flies within 24 hours of contact. Importantly, the solution maintained its effectiveness after steaming and provided season-long durability, supporting use across routine production cycles of up to 7 months.

Deployment of the solution across farms in Pennsylvania confirmed its performance under routine production conditions, where the netting was used across compost beds, windows, and picking lights. Growers noted that the netting could be installed without any major disruptions to daily operations.

By reducing pest pressure at key points in the production environment, the insecticidal netting helps protect crop value, reduce losses, and support more stable yields. For growers, this means fewer disruptions during critical production windows and greater confidence in maintaining harvest quality.

This work illustrates how proven insecticidal material technologies can be adapted beyond public health to address challenges in food production and agricultural resilience. By applying scientific expertise across sectors, Vestergaard continues to explore how practical, evidence-based solutions can help protect both health and livelihoods.