A THOROUGH APPROACH is needed when cleaning out grainstores this season, growers are told.

Even when stores are empty, they can still house insects and mites in cracks, air ducts and around other structures, according to Interfarm UK.

Growers therefore need to thoroughly clean up dust, grain residues and debris before applying any treatment, said the firm’s technical manager, David Stormonth.

Even once treatment has been applied, stores should be monitored for the presence of any more pests, he added.

Growers looking for a non-chemical method of controlling a range of pests should use Silico-Sec, Dr Stormonth recommended. “It is a natural, non-toxic alternative to OP treatments and can be used in conventional and organic systems.”

In grain stores it should be applied at least five weeks before store filling in order to be fully effective, so growers need to start thinking about treatment now, he said.

For an in-depth look at grain storage issues this season, see the Grain storage special in this week’s FARMERS WEEKLY magazine (June 10).