Spraying down empty bins preharvest?

[boarderbloke]

Just wondering what others do to prep your grain bins preharvest. Used to always spray a certain chemical roughly a week ahead of harvest, till the industry freaked out and warned against using it. Is there a product that is considered safe? perhaps a diluted "bleach" solution? can you use malathion if sprayed 3-4 weeks before filling? is there a commercial spray that can be used? What do you prep your bins with, or do you not use anything? Any different procedure for large diameter, flat bottom, floor aeration vs. hoppers with rockets?

[TOM4CWB]

We vacum real good... then sprinkle Diotenatious earth on the floor and in the first couple of loads. Have had no problems if grain cooled and no water leaks from manhole/ lids.

"Treat Empty Bins With Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic dust made from a silicone-dioxide mixture from prehistoric, marine diatoms. When in contact with insects, the diatomaceous earth absorbs the protective waxy coating on the insect, causing it to die from dehydration. Apply the product to the empty bin through aeration fans at least 2 weeks prior to grain storage. Apply it to the grain as well, as it is being augured into the bin or storage facility. Wear a protective mask when applying diatomaceous earth to avoid inhaling the dust. See OMAFRA Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide, for detailed application and label information.

Do not exceed application rates when treating grain, as this will result in auger plugging problems.

Preventative insecticides are not a substitute for good storage sanitation practices."

"On-Farm Stored Grain Management: Insect Management for Farm-Stored Grain from Ontario Ag, Food and RD web site"

[TOM4CWB]

We got ours from UFA and local elevator.

"Protect-It
Ready-to-Use Insecticidal Dust
Hedley Technologies Ltd.
2601 Matheson Blvd. E. Suite 5 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 5A8
For Insect Control in Stored Grain, Warehouses and Processing Facilities
Tel: 1-888-476-4473
www.hedleytech.com
GUARANTEE
Silicon Dioxide (present as 100% Diatomaceous Earth) 90% Silica Aerogel 10%
COMMERCIAL - AGRICULTURAL READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING
REGISTRATION NO. 24259 PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS ACT
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN"

Organic... and non-toxic to animals!

[ColevilleH2S]

I open up the lid and door of the bin, stand outside with a leaf blower pointed through the door and dump the DE into the inlet of the blower. It coats the entire inside of the bin and keeps you clean and you don't breath it in.

[Ache4Acres]

How much do you put in each bin? Full 10lb bag?

[ado089]

All our bins are on steel concrete or hoppers. The bug issues I've ever had have been in piles.

[ColevilleH2S]

I probably only apply 2 lbs per bin. Just enough to get a nice white coating on the interior.