Inspection is the key first step in preventing pest infestations. Take a tour around the outside of the bin. Check for loose bolts and cracks around the base. Look for signs of rodents and woodchuck holes under the bin. Make sure there are no bird nests in the vents and nearby augers. Get inside that bin and inspect for possible openings (light coming in where it shouldn’t). Are there areas where moldy grain is stuck to the side of the bin? Go inside your empty bin after a rain storm. Is there any water on the bin floor from a leaky vent? Are there any low spots in the floor where a support has fallen?

After inspecting the structure, sanitation is crucial! Eliminate any weeds growing within 30 feet of the bin. Insects can feed on weed seeds too! Clean up any spilled corn or soybeans around the bin, fan, and augers. This provides a refuge for insects that can eventually move into a clean bin.

Clean up all remaining grain on the floor of the bin. Take a long-handled broom and remove any grain stuck to the walls, around the door, supports, and in the fan opening. If there are a lot of fines remaining on the floor, clean up with a shop vacuum. Many fines accumulate in the space below the floor. Removing the floor and cleaning these out is not something you want to do every year! If you are continually having insect problems, seriously think about it.

We are very limited when it comes to empty bin insecticide treatments. Tempo SC Ultra and Storcide II (see label for application restrictions) are both labeled. Malathion is also labeled but you do not want to use this if you are storing wheat (residue in flour). Indian meal moth also has developed resistance to this product. Diatomaceous earth (Dryacide) is a non-insecticidal silica sand that can be applied as a dust in the bin and below the floor.
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