Grain storage pest control: treatment and prevention

It is important to grow, harvest and store grain. At the same time, the problem of pests haunts farmers every season, so grain storage facilities need systematic treatment and prevention in preparation for harvesting, as infected grain is prohibited for use and causes large losses.

Disinfestation is aimed at creating optimal sanitary conditions for grain storage and protection against insects.

Modern methods of grain storage disinfestation

To maximize the effectiveness of grain disinfestation and prevention, it is important to prepare the premises. Storage facilities are freed from previous stocks and waste, floors, walls, beams, corners, equipment and tanks are cleaned.

Waste samples are sent for examination to determine the type of disinfestation. The premises are ventilated, dried and treated.

The types of grain disinfestation include the following:

Wet processing

It is effective in the case of moths, mealybugs, mites and other insects unstable to insecticides. It involves spraying surfaces with chemicals in the form of suspensions, emulsions and solutions.

Empty warehouses are treated with contact preparations of a certain concentration – actellic, fufanon, karate, K-obiol, etc. The surrounding area, containers, grain cleaners, etc. are also disinfected. The optimal liquid consumption per m2 is 200 ml inside the storage facility and up to 400 ml outside.

Workers are allowed to enter the warehouse after 3-20 days. So if “preservation” is not possible, short-lived chemicals are used.

Fumigation/aerosol treatment

Grain for seed and food purposes should be fumigated to kill insects and larvae, such as weevils, scale insects, May beetles, etc.

Warehouses are treated at a temperature of +15 °C while insects are active. The insecticide is supplied in the form of steam or gas to ensure that the chemical gets into hard-to-reach areas. Fumigation is carried out under sealed films. Tablets or tapes are used: fostoxin, heliophos, fostec, magnoxin, etc. Access to the facility is allowed in 2-9 days.

Fog is also used, in which the active substance is sprayed by a steam generator inside and the area with a radius of 5 meters is treated. The cloud descends, decontaminating every mm. The storage facility is ventilated for 2 hours.

Can pests be avoided

Even with a positive result, it is important to prevent the re-propagation of parasites. To do this, use:

• artificially cooled air in mobile refrigeration units: allows for longer storage of grain in humid conditions and prevents insect growth;
• control of the granary atmosphere: gaseous N2 kills mites by 97% in 3 weeks without chemicals, ensuring the purity and environmental safety of products.

To avoid grain spoilage by pests, keep the warehouse clean and climate controlled, monitor the quality of the crop, regularly clean and repair the premises, and carry out pest control and preventive treatments in a timely manner.