ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the considerations and opportunities for using temperature extremes to control insects in the field, primarily crop and natural habitats. Temperature extremes limit the geographic range of insect populations, either causing direct mortality or limiting the range of host plants or animals. The extent to which pest managers can make use of temperature extremes to limit the size of insect populations and protect commodities depends upon their ability to manipulate exposure of insect pests to those temperatures. Insects avoid low temperature extremes by migration and dispersal or by diapause, in which physiological mechanisms protect against low temperatures. Manipulating the low temperature extremes to which insect pests are subjected amounts to removing as much insulation as possible, exposing the insect to as close to ambient temperatures as possible. Distribution of insects in crop residue can be manipulated by mowing, chopping, disking, and plowing the residue.
