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…