CEA facilitates production of any crop, anywhere at any time. Facilities must overcome the local environments to meet the growth needs of the crops in production. They must also deal with local insect populations. Even fully closed facilities (Vertical Farms, Container Farms and growth rooms ) are not free from insects (or disease). Greenhouses with continuous access for labor and materials transfer can also transport insects. Greenhouses have ventilation systems providing air exchange from outside the greenhouse that is required to maintain air temperature. These systems have openings which significantly increase the opportunity for insects to enter. Cooling fans begin operating after sunrise within a well-designed and insulated greenhouse. Insects appear and will thrive with numerous plants to feast upon within an optimum environment and as a result, will over-populate faster than within field agriculture. The controlled nature of CEA offers several design and operational procedures to limit infestations or at least maintain tolerable levels. Mechanical and physical exclusion should be considered when constructing the greenhouse. Modern production greenhouses are well-built with efficient exhaust fan ventilation system, which can have insect screens placed on the intake openings and exhaust fan discharge openings. They require proper design. Screened, double-door entrances and worker care in being free of transporting insects will limit infestations. Once operational, control procedures that include IPM, Integrated Pest Management must be employed. These include, scouting to identify hot spots with insects, spot spraying if allowed to prevent spread by employees, and purchase and release of beneficial insects.
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