La dégradation des stocks céréaliers et la lutte contre les ravageurs du grain

Abstract

Food safety is a critical concern for all preindustrial societies. Every stage in the production and processing of cereals can be affected by degradation caused by various types of animals, broadly referred to as “pests”. Egyptian texts occasionally mention them in an agrarian context, primarily rodents and insects, which can be found both in the fields and near dwellings. Entomological studies conducted on archaeological sites have revealed high rates of grain infestation. To mitigate the intrusion of pests and, consequently, the rate of affected grain, several solutions have been implemented, including the selection of grain types, the type of storage device, and the breeding of predators.