Research from the GRDC Grain Storage Extension team has revealed a safer and more effective way to apply diatomaceous earth (DE) in empty on-farm silos. DE, a flour-like dust made from fossilised aquatic organisms, works as a non-chemical control by dehydrating insects through abrasions to their waxy coating.
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Evaluating Application Methods for Diatomaceous Earth in Grain Storages
Originally published as Development Activity 2024-3 | Project Code: PRB2011-001SAX
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an important structural treatment used to control storage pests in empty silos. This development activity compared dry application methods for distributing DE in both cone-bottom and flat-bottom silos, aiming to identify approaches that achieve the most uniform coverage across all silo surfaces.
Key Findings:
The 18v battery blower and petrol-powered leaf blower, used with a venturi attachment, provided more uniform distribution of DE than the benchmark compressed-air BloVac gun.
In the flat-bottom silo, ground-level application via access door resulted in consistent DE coverage at all levels – offering a safe and effective method.
Venturi-assisted delivery created a finer, more stable dust cloud, improving reach to upper silo sections.
Longer application time increased air circulation and dust suspension, enhancing coverage.
Recommendations:
Use battery or petrol-powered blowers with a homemade venturi (ideally a “Y” fitting with a half-diameter suction pipe) for optimal distribution.
Apply DE from ground level while moving the blower nozzle regularly to target all areas.
Maintain dust circulation during and after application to reach higher wall areas.
Future Work:
Further trials should refine blower application techniques and explore the use of DE in grain sheds.
Download the full report: Diatomaceous Earth Application – DA 2024-3 (PDF)
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Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a proven solution for pest control in grain storage, but its effectiveness depends on uniform application. Recent research highlights that battery-powered and petrol-powered blowers with venturi attachments deliver superior distribution compared to traditional compressed-air methods.
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Explore innovative pest management strategies focused on cleanliness and proactive practices in GRDC’s latest article, A Clean Approach to Pest Management. This approach highlights how effective sanitation and hygiene practices can reduce pest infestations, helping to maintain crop health and yield. Learn more about practical steps for pest prevention and control in this comprehensive guide.
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Grain storage specialist Chris Warrick presents a webinar on how hygiene and structural treatments prevent pest problems.
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Australia’s reputation as a supplier of high quality, clean grain can quickly be destroyed if unregistered or off label chemicals are used in grain or grain storages.
Products used for structural treatments must be registered for that purpose and accepted by the intended grain buyer.
Do not use any product on grain or grain storage which is not registered for that purpose and always follow label directions and rates.
The risk is greater than having a load of grain rejected, chemical misuse could lead to the demise of Australia’s reputation causing key buyers to stop importing grain from Australia.
Grain hygiene and structural treatments are the first line of defence against insect pests but product choice is critical.
Diatamaceous earth (DE) products such as Dryacide® are a non-chemical option which control all common grain storage insect pests.
Because DE products have a physical effect on the insects rather than a chemical effect there is no known resistance issues.
Caution should still be taken before using any treatment on grain or grain storage’s to ensure they are registered for that purpose and accepted by the market or grain buyer.
Applying diatomaceous earth to a grain silo for insect control. 3 of 3 demonstration videos by DAFWA’s Chris Newman.
Grain storage consultant Peter Botta gives useful tips on silo hygiene as part of a grain storage series for the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s Ground Cover TV