Insecticides

Fumigation:  Fumigation (e.g., with aluminum phosphide) is the only method of ridding a bin of insect infestations that occur during storage, and fumigants must be applied by certified applicators.  It is generally recommended that grain bins and the grain itself be treated with insecticides before storage (see below).  New label changes for fumigants (e.g., Phosfume, Phostoxin) are summarized in a slide presentation: Phosfume Applicator Manual Update

Protectants: Protectants are applied directly to grain before or during binning to help prevent infestations by stored grain pests.  Actellic 5E is the only protectant available for corn at this time.  Storcide: A combination of Tempo and Reldan 4E is a newly labeled insecticide for Wheat.  It must be used according to the label and can not be exported to Europe at this time.  It was developed primarily for control of the lesser grain borer.  This insect can wreck havoc on stored wheat, literally turning it into flour.

Residual Insecticides: Tempo is the most effective insecticide to use prior to filling the bin. It is not used on grain, but treatment of the bin walls and flooring can reduce insects that may be in the bin.  Empty bin fumigation can also rid a bin of existing pests before storage.  Chloropicrin has been used for many years but must be applied according to label directions.  It is no longer available in quart size containers but comes in 200 pound steel containers.

Insects in Farm Stored Grain (Publication 1395) is available for use by anyone who needs more information.