File photo of a rusty grain beetle. (Twitter/@Grain_Canada)

By Alice McFarlane

Insects in Stored Grain

Monitoring grain in storage

Dec 23, 2019 | 4:19 PM

Monitoring stored grain for insects can alleviate a lot of problems at the time of delivery to the elevator.

The Canada Grain Act has a zero tolerance policy for any insects that feed on grain delivered to elevators.

Ministry of Agriculture crops extension specialist Kim Stonehouse said farmers can detect insects in stored grain by using a probe trap.

“The trap should be placed in the top centre of the bin because this is where the first signs of a problem usually occur,” he said. “Insects found in stored grain feed on the grain or on fungus that may be developing within the stored grain.”

Grain feeding insects include the rusty grain beetle, red flour beetle and saw-toothed grain beetle. The rusty grain beetle is the most common insect found feeding on stored grain in Canada and heavy infestations can cause the grain to heat and spoil. These beetles are cold hardy and can survive temperatures below zero degrees.

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Fungus feeders include foreign grain beetle, grain mites and psocids (also known as book lice). The foreign grain beetle will also feed on grain if the moisture content is at the high end of the acceptable range. Insects that feed on fungus cannot survive on dry grain.

Stonehouse said there are a number of methods that can be used to control both grain and fungus feeders.

“Mechanical methods tend to be the most economical and do not require any special licensing. Many of the insects can be killed by reducing the core grain temperature for a period of time, moving the grain several times during mid-winter, moving grain using a grain vac or passing the grain through a heated grain dryer for a length of time.” he said.

In warmer conditions, treatment options for grain being rotated to a clean bin include Diatomaceous Earth, Malathion and Phostoxin.

Stonehouse said it’s important to note oilseed crops, including canola and flax, should not be stored in bins treated with any of these products. Before using Malathion or Phostoxin for malt barley or milling oats, producers should consult with their grain buyer.

Stonehouse said always read the product label to ensure that it is registered for use in the grain to be treated and on the insect to be controlled and follow label instructions for effective and safe application.

“With some products, the use and sale is restricted to licensed pesticide applicators with a valid fumigation license.” he said

More information on preventing and controlling insects in stored grain can be found here.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@AliceMcF