Insect Pest of Dried and Smoked Tilapia Species in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State of Nigeria

This study is on insect pests associated with dried and smoked Tilapia species (Oreochromis niloticus) in Idah Local Government Area in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was conducted to identify the major storage pests infesting processed Tilapia and to compare the level of infestation between smoked and dried fish. A total of forty (40) smoked and forty (40) dried Tilapia species were obtained from Idah market and stored in four separate cages under laboratory conditions for three months. Observations were made at three-day intervals, during which pest species were identified and counted. Data collected were analysed using frequencies, percentages, pest density, and comparative analysis. The results revealed the presence of three major arthropod pest species: Dermestes maculatus, Camponotus consobrinus, and Necrobia rufipes. Smoked Tilapia recorded a total of 116 pest individuals with an overall pest density of 2.90 pests per fish, while dried Tilapia recorded 66 pest individuals with a pest density of 1.65 pests per fish. Camponotus consobrinus was the dominant pest on smoked Tilapia, accounting for 66.4% of the total infestation, whereas Dermestes maculatus was the dominant pest on dried Tilapia, constituting 68.2% of the total pest population. However smoked fish harboured a higher overall number of pests, dried fish recorded a greater abundance of tissue-destructive pests capable of causing substantial physical damage and weight loss. The study concludes that both smoked and dried Tilapia are susceptible to insect pest infestation during storage, with the type of processing influencing pest species composition and infestation intensity. Effective storage practices, improved processing methods, regular monitoring, and the use of safe pest control measures are recommended to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure the safety and quality of fish products. The findings provide baseline information that can contribute to improved fish preservation and storage management in Idah Local Government Area and similar environments.