IPM in Kentucky Farm Stored Grain

Site Coordinator: Dr. Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist and IPM Coordinator

Site Contributors:

Dr. L.H. Townsend, Extension Entomologist, PAT Coordinator, and all around swell guy.

This web site is based on "Management of On-Farm Stored Grain" manual produced at the University of Kentucky in the mid 1980's and updated information from several web sites and manuals developed since that time.

General Principles

Over 50% of the grain produced in Kentucky is held in "on-farm" storage for some period of time. In the past, this storage was short-term, from harvest until early spring, but times have changed drastically. Now, storage periods of 12 months or longer are common. As a result, grain remains undisturbed for long intervals including the high risk, warm, moist months from late spring to early fall. The primary causes of grain spoilage in Kentucky are moisture and temperature. However, any grain improperly handled or stored longer than 6 months can be infested by insects. The key to successful storage is to anticipate and prevent potential problems through good bin management practices. Preventing insect problems in stored grain requires 3 steps: 1) sanitation, 2) protection and 3) inspection.

Sanitation - Your first, best and least expensive defense!

Protectants - Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

Halting an Infestation - This is often a lot of trouble.

Some Wee Beasties- Insect and mite pests of stored grain

Ugh! There in the house!!! These same pests can infest food stored in your home. Follow this link to some great publications on Ridding Your Home of Stored Products Pests. Look under the "FOOD" section.

Grain Quality - Make it hard on the bugs.

Inspection - A few minutes viewing can save a lot of grain!!

Safety - It's not worth dying for!

Links to some great photos:  Cereal Research Center, Canadian

USDA-ARS, U.S. Grain Marketing Res. Lab.

Original Document: 16 AUG 00
Last Updated: 05 DEC 02