Sustainable and effective pest control solutions: ecological and organic treatments

On ROCA DEFISAN we have established ourselves as a leading company in the field of pest control continuously adapting to market needs and new environmental challenges.

Aware of the growing interest for sustainable and chemical-free solutions, we offer our customers a range of eco-friendly treatments designed to combat pests without compromising the safety of people, products or the environment.

Eco treatments: efficiency without toxics

Our range of fumigation treatments includes alternative methods to the use of traditional biocides, designed for sensitive environments where maximum safety and respect for the environment are required. These treatments are ideal for food industries, living spaces or facilities where the presence of chemical residues is strictly limited.

Eco treatments not only respond to environmental concerns, but are also effective, fast and compatible with the most stringent safety and hygiene standards. On ROCA DEFISAN we are committed to pest control based on sustainability, without sacrificing the effectiveness of the most advanced treatments.

Green conservation and pest control: modified atmosphere solutions

On ROCA DEFISAN we are committed to integral solutions that combine the preservation of stored products with the pest control in a sustainable way and without the use of pesticides. One of the most innovative and environmentally friendly technologies we offer is the modified atmosphere (MAP) treatment, ideal for stockage, distribution and protection of food and raw materials sensitive to insects.

The modified atmosphere system is based on the controlled alteration of the gaseous composition of the environment in which the products are stored, replacing oxygen (O₂) with harmless gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂). This technique prevents the development of microorganisms, insects and other aerobic organisms by depriving them of the oxygen they need to survive.

Unlike traditional chemical treatments, modified atmosphere does not use pesticides or toxic agents, making it a totally ecological, safe and residue-free alternative for the agri-food and logistics industry.

The application of this technology offers numerous benefits from a technical, economic and environmental point of view. Some of the main advantages are:

  • Increases product shelf life: By controlling oxidation and limiting biological activity, products retain their properties longer.
  • Preserves food quality: Maintains intact organoleptic characteristics such as flavor, texture, aroma and nutritional value.
  • No pesticides or contaminants: No hazardous chemicals are used, ensuring food safety.
  • Ecological and sustainable system: Reduces environmental footprint and complies with international safety and sustainability standards.
  • Logistics flexibility: Improves stock planning and distribution by extending storage lead times.
  • Eliminates Stored Product Insect Pests (SPI’s): Effective against a wide range of insects affecting cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds, spices and more.

The treatment begins with the confinement of the food product in an airtight enclosure (silos, chambers, containers or hermetized warehouses). A previously defined gas mixture, rich in CO₂ and/or N₂, with a very low oxygen concentration, is then introduced.

These specific levels cause the controlled asphyxiation of insects and mites in all their development stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult), without negatively affecting the treated products. In addition, the atmospheric modification decreases the metabolic activity of the food, delaying its degradation and preserving its freshness and quality.

On ROCA DEFISANwe use high precision control systems to monitor gas concentration and ensure that optimal conditions are maintained throughout the process. The duration of the treatment varies according to the type of product, temperature, level of infestation and desired objective, but always within safe and effective parameters.

This type of treatment is ideal for a wide range of installations and products:

  • Agri-food warehouses.
  • Silos and airtight containers.
  • Bagged products.
  • Raw materials and foodstuffs ready for distribution.
  • Export/import logistics centres.
A natural solution for a sustainable future

Modified atmosphere treatment represents a true revolution in pest control and preservation of stored products. At ROCA DEFISAN we combine innovation, experience and environmental commitment to offer you effective, safe and totally respectful solutions for your product and your environment.

Controlled atmosphere: what is it and what is it used for?

Controlled atmosphere was initially conceived as a complementary technique to refrigeration preservation. Its objective is to intervene and modify the gaseous composition of cold rooms, together with the regulation of physical variables of the environment such as temperature, moisture content and air flow velocity.

Since its inception, controlled atmosphere has been defined as a preservation technique for fruit and vegetable products based on maintaining an atmosphere with low oxygen content (O₂) and higher carbon dioxide concentration (CO₂). This composition is continuously adjusted to the specific requirements of each product.

This technology achieves a synergistic effect with refrigeration, since the low temperatures, combined with the gaseous modification, reduce the respiratory rate of plant tissues, thus delaying ripening and senescence and extending the shelf life of the product.

Controlled atmosphere packaging

Controlled atmosphere packaging technology derives directly from these preservation methods. Its main characteristic is that the initial composition of the atmosphere inside the package remains stable throughout the shelf life of the product.

This is achieved by:

  • Permanent control of the gas mixture.
  • The regulated supply of the necessary gases.
  • Minimization of exchanges with the external atmosphere.

This system is widely used in the food sector as well as in industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Generally speaking, controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere can be applied to a wide variety of goods. However, it is essential to establish limitations depending on the type of product and gases used.

They include, among others:

  • Nuts.
  • Dried fruit.
  • Oilseeds (chia, sesame, sunflower, soy, hemp).
  • Cocoa.

The use of atmospheres with high percentages of CO₂ is not recommended for this type of products, since its oxidizing power can cause rancidity and organoleptic alterations.

Recommendation: use anoxia by means of nitrogen (N₂), a technique particularly suitable also for pharmaceutical and chemical products.

These include:

  • Cereals (barley, oats, spelt, rice, wheat, quinoa, corn).
  • Powdered milk.
  • Legumes (beans, lentils, peas).
  • Coffee, tea, spices and medicinal herbs.
  • Flours.
  • Non-food products such as wood.

In these cases, different gas mixtures can be used for preservation purposes or as insecticide treatment. The most commonly used gases are:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂) up to concentrations of 90%.
  • Mixtures of CO₂ and nitrogen in different proportions.

On which storage formats can it be applied?

The application of controlled atmosphere varies depending on the type of storage and level of airtightness.

Only nitrogen controlled atmosphere techniques, generated by on-site nitrogen generators, can be used in this type of stowage.

Due to the low level of airtightness, anoxia losses are produced by:

  • Small leaks.
  • Permeability of the sealing plastic.

These losses must be continuously measured and compensated with constant nitrogen supplies, which makes the use of pressurized cylinders unfeasible due to the large volumes required.

Not all silos or tanks meet the necessary conditions for controlled atmosphere treatment. Only those with a proven level of airtightness are suitable.

In these cases, controlled atmosphere systems are applied using nitrogen, normally generated by specific equipment.

This type of merchandise can be handled collectively using:

  • Special heat-sealed films.
  • Insulating layers placed on the floor.

The process requires the complete mobilization of the goods, which are stowed on the insulating base and covered with the film, thermosealing both elements. Modified or controlled atmospheres with various gas mixtures can be used here.

In the case of big bags, individual treatment is also possible, using bags specifically designed to coat the outside of the big bag.

Heat treatment: heat as a smart solution

One of the most outstanding alternatives within our eco-treatments is the thermal treatment. This technique consists of raising the temperature of the affected environment to lethal levels for insects in all their stages of development (egg, larva, pupa and adult), by means of a controlled thermal shock .

The great advantage of this method is that it does not require the use of toxic gases or chemicals, so it is completely waste-free. In addition, it does not require the removal of the facilities and does not interfere with the productive activity of other areas of the company. This makes it an ideal solution for companies in the food, pharmaceutical, logistics, museum or any environment where safety and cleanliness are a priority.

Certified safety

Our heat generation equipment is approved and certified to operate even in potentially explosive atmospheres, allowing heat treatments to be carried out in almost any type of installation, with maximum safety and reliability.

We comply with all official regulations, both national and international.

CAAE

Full control in real time

One of the most innovative aspects of our heat treatment is the incorporation of a telemetry system. This allows real-time monitoring of heat distribution in all areas under treatment, ensuring that the required temperatures are reached uniformly and without cold spots where pests could survive.

Speed, effectiveness and environmental friendliness

Heat treatment results are obtained in less than 48 hours, and in many cases, in only 24 hours. By eliminating the need for hermetization and evacuation of personnel, logistical processes are streamlined and the impact on company productivity is reduced.

In addition, heat treatment does not generate resistance in pests, as is the case with some conventional biocides such as phosphine. This makes it a long-term solution, capable of effectively eradicating infestations even in spaces that have been repeatedly treated with chemical methods without success.

Innovative pest control for a more organic future

tratamiento_atmosfera_modificada

It consists of regulating the concentrations of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen within a hermetically sealed space. This procedure offers several advantages:

  • Chemical-free: It does not require the use of synthetic compounds, making it suitable for organic foods.
  • Longer shelf life: Contributes to preserving the freshness, flavor and aroma of food, extending its shelf life.
  • Microbiological control: Reduces the development of pests and microorganisms, providing longer lasting protection.
tratamiento_atmosfera_controlada

It consists of modifying the proportions of gases present in the air, mainly by reducing oxygen, in order to eliminate insects by asphyxiation.

This procedure has several advantages:

  • Non-toxic: It uses natural gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, making it a safe option for organic products.
  • Effective at all stages of the life cycle: Acts against insects at any stage, including eggs, larvae and pupae.
  • No residues: It leaves no chemical residues on the products, keeping their quality intact.
tratamiento_termico

Heat treatment is a non-toxic and highly effective technique for pest control, used in agro-industrial facilities such as warehouses, mills or grain storage silos. It is based on a controlled increase in the temperature of the environment until lethal levels are reached for insects and other arthropods in all their developmental stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult).

This procedure is particularly effective because:

  • Eliminates all stages of the life cycle: High temperatures cause dehydration and denaturation of proteins essential for the survival of insects, achieving their total elimination.
  • Pesticide-free: It is suitable for organic production, as it does not require the use of chemicals.
  • Localized application: Allows to treat specific areas without the need to interrupt the activity in the whole installation.

Equipment

Bags / packaging

Wrapping liners allow pallet-sized stacks to be wrapped and the atmosphere to be quickly modified in combination with the vQm HS or XL machine. This makes it possible to secure incoming goods, eradicate infestations inside and prevent moisture, oxygen, odor or other external conditions from deteriorating product quality.

wrappingliners

It is a large, form-stable, ready-to-use bag (105x105x120cm, SWL 1200kg), with a liner that is made of a 7-layer 140 micron high barrier film. The inner bag is equipped with a filling and discharging spout as well as the high-speed vQm valve. The vacuum-proof liner of the Quadro bag has diagonal baffles, which are sealed at all four corners. This ensures that the big bag maintains its square shape after filling. Optimize space utilization and load capacity throughout the supply chain.

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FIBC with aluminum inner bag or separate aluminum liners, suitable for your FIBC. Any standard dimension FIBC possible, including a filling and discharge spout according to your needs. Liners are available in various compositions, ranging from 120 to 160 microns.
Advantages of the aluminum inner bag:

Easy sealing of the upper spout with sealant. No UV influences. Excellent oxygen / moisture barrier properties. Extremely low oxygen transmission rate.

fibc_bolsainterior_aluminio

FIBC with plastic inner bag is extremely tough and flexible, because it is made of a 7 or 9-layer barrier film, which includes PA/EVOH/PA. The films are available in various thicknesses ranging from 110 to 200 microns. Additional additives are possible for an optimum moisture barrier.

  • High puncture resistance and excellent elongation properties.
  • Flexible for easy handling, does not break.
  • Recyclable material.
fibc_bolsainterior_plastico

For this application we use strong and flexible barrier wrapping, made of a 7-layer barrier film, including PA/EVOH/PA and 200 micron. Standard bags are available for big bags with a circumference of 400 cm. Wider versions of the wrap liners are also possible on request (MoQ and delivery may differ from our standard dimensions).

  • High puncture resistance and excellent elongation properties.
  • Flexible for easy handling, does not break.
  • Recyclable material.
envoltura_barrera

Strong and flexible wrapping, made from a 7-layer barrier film, including PA / EVOH / PA and 200 microns. Most Bag-in-Bag wraps are made to fit common pallet sizes and can be manufactured for any stacking height. Additional additives can be added for optimum moisture barrier.

  • High puncture resistance and excellent elongation properties.
  • Flexible for easy handling, does not break.
  • Recyclable material.
bag_in_bag

Machine and valve

The vQm valve makes it possible to create and maintain vacuum conditions inside the bag at an amazing speed, from 1000 liters to 500 hPa in 30 seconds. It is also possible to clean with external gas for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). In doing so, insects can be killed at all life stages, without the use of chemicals. Due to its filter medium, powdered products can also be vacuum packed.

valvula

This machine offers an extremely fast and simple solution for vacuum packaging large volumes, reaching vacuum levels up to 100 hPa.

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Before filling vQm big bags or (octa)bin bags, always inflate them. This ensures that the bag is completely open and well positioned, and that the product flows freely into the big bag during filling. In this way, downward force on the bag is avoided and the product can settle freely inside the bag for optimum stability.

In case a filling station is not equipped with a blower, this airmover is a quick and easy alternative. The airmover converts compressed air into volumetric air through the venturi effect.

  • Expels a large bag in 10-20 seconds.
  • The wide, flexible exhaust pipe prevents damage to the liner.
  • No electricity or moving parts.
  • It only requires a continuous supply of compressed air through an 8 mm tube.
  • On/off tap mounted for ease of operation.
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The XL unit is the more powerful version of the HS (High Speed) unit, with the same functionalities. Equipped with a powerful 400 V vacuum pump, it is designed for extreme applications and speeds. In particular, this machine is used for powders that clog under vacuum and hinder free air flow.

vqml_xl

Sealers

These heat seal clamps can be used to seal large FIBC aluminum bags. The temperature can be adjusted and both sealing bars are heated to provide efficient heat distribution.

This sealer is very easy to operate. The jaws are closed by hand and then released once sealing is complete. The machine’s insulated comfort grip keeps the handle cool even when the temperature of the jaws rises to 250 degrees Celsius.

sellador_termico

The combination of the generator together with the impulse clamps is a mobile and easy to handle sealing unit. The sealing impulse is produced in the generator and the sealing is performed by the sealing clamp, which is connected to the generator.

The sealing gripper is heated on both sides so that thick films from 2 x 0.025 up to 2 x 0.4 mm (PE) can also be sealed with this equipment. The sealing pressure is achieved by a built-in spring so that the pressure and quality of the sealing tongs can be used to seal at the edge of the film material.

sellador_impuslsos

Measurements

The OXYBABY is an ergonomically shaped wireless oxygen and/or carbon dioxide analyzer suitable for one-handed operation. The measuring range is 0 vol. -% to 100 vol. -% O2 and/or CO2 in non-flammable gas mixtures. It is intended to be used for analyzing carbon dioxide concentration and/or residual oxygen content in food packaging and similar applications.

The OXYBABY is equipped with an internal memory for 100 measurement data. The data will be stored in the memory even when the analyzer is switched off.

sensor_cO2
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Contact us and find out how our treatments can be adapted to your needs. Our technical team will offer you a personalized diagnosis and will accompany you throughout the process, guaranteeing optimal results without compromising the quality and safety of your products.

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