During the 1960 s, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as aldrin and chlordane were used in Puerto Rico as the primary method of D. abbreviatus control. These compounds were applied to the soil prior to egg hatch to intercept neonate larvae as they entered the soil. These persistent materials are no longer available for use. Other methods tested include the use of horticultural oils that effectively separate leaves that have been stuck together to protect eggs. When the leaves are separated, eggs desiccate or are more subject to predation and parasitism.
Oils also prevent females from gluing eggs to leaves.
By using the insect growth regulator with a spray oil, egg viability has been reduced by as much as 95 percent. Some of these products, however, need to be tested in ornamentals and tropical fruit crops for phytotoxicity and efficacy. In addition to the methods mentioned above, other integrated management tools are being developed by University of Florida researchers for control of D. abbreviatus . Currently, sanitary-based containment is practiced as the means to limit the spread of D. abbreviatus . Movement of equipment and materials that might spread the pest from infested to noninfested areas should be restricted.