Empty Bin Maintenance: Integrated Pest Management

Empty Bin Maintenance:Integrated Pest Management

Carol Jones SPREC - Oklahoma State University

Maintenance BasicsMaintenance Basics

Eliminate dust and dockage from any cracks in the bin.Repair holes, cracks and leaks in the bin and cracks in the floor if it is concrete.Clean under the floor grates.Apply approved insecticides to disinfest grain bins.

Maintenance BasicsMaintenance Basics

Eliminate dust and dockage from any cracks in the bin.

Maintenance BasicsMaintenance Basics

Repair holes, cracks and leaks in the bin and cracks in the floor if it is concrete.

Maintenance BasicsMaintenance Basics

Clean under the floor grates.

Maintenance BasicsMaintenance Basics

Apply approved insecticides to disinfest grain bins.

Stored Product IPM BasicsStored Product IPM Basics

Clean and seal binsApply residual insecticides to empty structure– Tempo (Reldan + Cyfluthrin)– Storcide II (Reldan + Deltamethrin)– Suspend SC (Deltamethrin)– DE (Diatomaceous earth)

Store dry grainMonitor and record temperature, grain quality, and pestsAerate to cool grain below 60º FFumigate properly when needed

Important Components of Integrated Pest Management

Sanitation– Reduces initial insect pest population

Sealing– Discourages insect invasion– Retains fumigation gases– SAVES $$$

Where do the insects come from?

Already in binFly in through openingsBrought in with contaminated grain

Location of Insect Infestations

Insects infesting the top layers are most likely entering the bin from the top (eaves, etc.)

Insects infesting the bottom are most likely from grain left in the bottom before new grain was added

Sanitation Steps

Clean empty storage structuresApply residual insecticides before filling(“empty bin sprays”) Clean equipment before harvest (combines, trucks, discharge spouts, conveyors)Remove grain spills outside of binsRemove weedsWritten sanitation schedule

Benefits of Bin Sanitation

Reduced initial insect infestationReduced grain protectant and fumigant requirementsImproved fumigation effectivenessImproved aeration effectiveness

Sealing to Limit Insect Invasion

Seal bottom, side, and top openings of binsPermanent– Base of bin– Aeration fan motors and ducts– Seams and missing hardware– Unloading equipment – augers, drag conveyors, etc.

Temporary– Aeration fan intakes– Bin entry doors– Top ventilation systems– Manholes– Down spouts

Sealing to Contain Fumigants

Phosphine is about the same density as air– Gas will escape from any unsealed openings– Using closed loop fumigation circulates gas with

a small fan– Phosphine levels need to remain high (200 ppm)

for at least 4 days to kill all insect life stages

Storage System Sealing Materials

Closed Cell Foam(approx. $5.75/can)

Caulking Sealants:Urethane and Silicone II

(about $5.00/tube)

ElastomericElastomeric Coating Base andCoating Base andRoof Sealing MaterialsRoof Sealing Materials

($27/gal and $3.30/tube)($27/gal and $3.30/tube)

6 Mil Poly Sheeting, Heavy Duty 6 Mil Poly Sheeting, Heavy Duty Poly Bags and Duct Tape Poly Bags and Duct Tape (buy HEAVY duct tape)(buy HEAVY duct tape)

Adhesive Spray SealantsAdhesive Spray Sealants($8 ($8 -- $10/can)$10/can)

Storage System Sealing Methods

Where do we start????- Any place there is a hole or

a connection in the bin !!!!

Seal Aeration Fan Motors

Seal Aeration Fan Transitions

Seal Closed Loop Pipes

Seal Aeration Fan InletsSeal Aeration Fan Inlets

Seal Aeration Fan Inlets

Seal Aeration Fan Inlets

Seal Steel Bin Roof Eaves

Seal Steel Bin Roof Eaves

Seal Steel Bin Roof Eaves

Seal Bin Sidewall Seams and Base Junctions

Seal Steel Bin Door

Seal Bin Roof Entry Doors

Seal Roof Vents

Sealing in Concrete Silos

Seal Concrete Silo Roof Ventsand Downspouts

Sealing silo roof vents

Sealing silo roof vents

Sealing Silo Roof Vents (Inside)

Seal Silo Discharge Spout

Questions or Discussion…