Producers report greater insect populations in stored grains this year than in the recent past. Farmers should monitor grain in bins and take preventive steps now to make it easier and less costly than finding the problem when trying to deliver the grain.
“There are several insects that are causing problems in stored grain this year, and that makes it more challenging to make control recommendations,” said Jim Broatch, insect pest management specialist with Alberta Agriculture at Stettler.
“The majority of samples that are currently being sent in are fungus feeders. These insects thrive in grain that was in tough condition during storage, or stored grain that has hotspots develop within the bin. Turning the grain and cooling it down is the most effective and least expensive form of control for this insect problem.”
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If the problem is an insect like the rusty grain beetle, producers may need to look at options such as fumigation or treating the grain. Different grain conditions can limit the options open to producers. Producers need to know what insect they’re dealing with and what condition the grain is in.
“The last two years have been unusual,” said Broatch. “Last year the harvest was tough, with a lot of grain being stored that wasn’t monitored well. This caused a buildup of fungus feeders. This year, the grain came off fairly hot. This presents conditions that lend themselves to rusty grain beetles and red flour beetles.”
Monitoring grain bins is essential. The main challenge this year is the wide variety of insects in the grain. Producers need to monitor their stored grain and if an infestation is found, they need to identify which insect they are dealing with and then determine whether or not control methods are needed. Any insect infestation could be subject to an infested condition description, and thus a rejection at the delivery point.
Producers who find insects in their stored grain are encouraged to give extension staff a call, and if possible send or bring in a sample so specialists can make recommendations on control.
For further information, websites that producers can access include:
- For control options, including temperature-related information, visit http://res2.agr.gc.ca/winnipeg/storage/pages/smmry_e.htm.
- For overall storage and insect control information, visit http://res2.agr.gc.ca/winnipeg/cgs_e.htm.
