Manage stored grain
An overview of grain storage issues including various prevention, monitoring, control, and remedial strategies for keeping stored grain at peak condition.
Identify and control grain insect pests
In Canada there are approximately 55,000 species of insects, a small number of which are considered as pests.
Identify an insect
The Canadian Grain Commission recognizes over 50 species of insects as pests of stored grain
Insecticides to control grain insect pests
Chemical control of insect pests in stored grain using insecticides, diatomaceous earth, fumigation and malathion
Physical control of grain insect pests
Methods of controlling insect pests that don’t use insecticides include high temperature, low temperature and pneumatic conveyers
Prevent infestations and spoilage
Guidelines are available on preventing infestations in stored grain and monitoring for infestations
Preparing grain bins
Before filling grain bins or using temporary storage, clean the bins or storage site thoroughly
Monitoring grain temperature and aerating grain
Monitoring grain temperature and aerating stored grain to prevent infestations
Monitoring stored grain for insect pest infestations
Causes of insect pest infestations in stored grain
Prevent ochratoxin A in stored grain
Prevention, monitoring, control, and remedial strategies that are appropriate for keeping stored grain at peak condition and reducing the potential of insect infestations
Prevent spoilage of stored grain
Charts for producers to prevent spoilage of stored grain
Prevent infestations in stored grain
Tips for proper preparation and care before and after you store your grain can prevent insect infestations
Contact Grain sanitation and infestation control
For more information about manage stored grain, contact Grain sanitation and infestation control
Frequently asked questions about insect pests in stored grain
How do I tell if I have grain that is infested with insect pests?
You can detect signs of an infestation by knowing about the life cycle of insect pests.
Read about eight common insect pests in stored grain and view photos of:
- The egg, larva, pupa and adult
- The insect feeding on grain
Using traps, probe sampling and sieves, and a Berlese funnel are three ways to sample grain and check for insects.
What products can I use once I discover that my grain is infested?
The Canadian Grain Commission recommends integrating control methods rather than only using chemicals to rid stored grain of insect pests. There are a variety of strategies for controlling infestations under different conditions and requirements:
How do I control insects when it is too cold to fumigate and not cold enough to use aeration to cause insect mortality?
There are several ways to control insects in this situation.
- In the late fall, as the ambient air temperature drops:
- Use a pneumatic grain vacuator to move the grain and cause insect mortality. Pneumatic grain vacuators are shown to cause a high level of insect mortality.
- Ensure that the temperature of the grain is uniform and less than +15°C.
- Wait for the ambient air temperature to drop further and then aerate the grain to ensure insect mortality.
- In the spring, as the ambient air temperature rises:
Use a grain vacuator in conjunction with fumigation to cause insect mortality. Before fumigating the grain, increase its temperature by either:
- Heating the grain with a dryer, or
- Aerating it with warm ambient air
What temperatures are necessary to cause mortality in stored product insect pests?
Low temperatures can be used to cause insect mortality over a period of time. The time period depends on the temperature of the grain. For example, if the temperature of grain is kept at -5°C for 12 weeks, stored insect pests will be controlled at all life stages. Read time periods for disinfesting grain at low temperatures.
Grain temperatures above +40°C will kill insects at all life stages.