Proper grain storage is critical to maintaining food quality, reducing waste, and preventing infestations. Traditional methods to rid insect infestations often rely on chemical pesticides, which can pose health risks and affect grain quality. Diatomaceous earth is a natural, safe, and effective alternative for controlling insects in stored grains. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits, usage, and safety tips for using diatomaceous earth in grain storage.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, silica-rich powder made from fossilized algae called diatoms. Its abrasive microscopic particles are effective in killing insects by damaging their exoskeletons, leading to dehydration.
Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
When using DE for grain storage, it’s essential to use food-grade diatomaceous earth. This type is free from harmful additives and safe for use around food products.
Why Use Diatomaceous Earth for Grain Storage?
Using diatomaceous earth in grain storage provides several advantages:
1. Natural Pest Control
DE is effective against common grain storage pests like weevils, beetles, and moths. It works mechanically rather than chemically, ensuring pests cannot develop resistance.
2. Preservation of Grain Quality
Unlike chemical pesticides, DE does not alter the flavor, texture, or nutritional content of grains in long term storage.
3. Safe and Non-Toxic
Food-grade DE is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, making it an ideal choice for organic and sustainable farming practices.
4. Long-Lasting Protection
Once applied, DE remains effective as long as it stays dry, providing prolonged pest control.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Grain Storage
1. Preparation
Clean Storage Areas: Ensure storage containers or silos are clean and dry before use. Remove any leftover grains or debris that could harbor pests.
Inspect Grains: Only use DE with clean, dry grains. Remove any visibly infested or damaged grains.
Dust Lightly: Approximately one (1) pound per 1,000 square feet on all interior wall surfaces of clean empty storage areas. See chart below for exact amounts based on bin size and capacity.
Don't Miss a Spot: Special attention should be given to dusting cracks, crevices and other areas where insects hide or crawl.
Dust Smarter, Not Harder: Dust using aeration fans, air blowers, air hoses, or other air supply. When using the aeration fans, turn on the fans blowing in, measure out the amount of
diatomaceous earth required, pour into the fan as fast as the fan will allow you and turn off
the fan when you see the dust blowing out the top.
Leave the Dust: After dusting, there is no need to remove the dust or aerate the areas. It is safe to enter the area and the area can be safely filled with grains. It is recommended that the area be left undisturbed for two to three days to eliminate existing infestations before filling.
Re-dust: It is desirable to re-dust each time the storage area is emptied.
2. Application
Mixing with Stored Grain:
Add food-grade diatomaceous earth to your grains at a rate of approximately 1–2 pounds per 1,000 pounds of grain. Many folks will use a large coffee can and will scoop it into the auger while the grain is traveling into the bin. For smaller batches you can mix by hand.
Treat the top 10% of the bin with 4lbs per 1,000 square feet or see chart below for exact top dressing amounts...
Bin Size | Bin Capacity | Lbs to Treat Empty Bin | Lbs to Treat for Top Dressing |
18 x 18 | 4,290 bu. | 2 | 1 |
24 x 24 | 10,200 bu. | 3 | 2 |
30 x 30 | 18,700 bu. | 4 | 3 |
36 x 30 | 27,300 bu. | 5 | 4 |
42 x 30 | 34,600 bu. | 6 | 6 |
48 x 27 | 45,800 bu. | 6 | 7 |
Treat Storage Containers:
For Smaller batches of stored grain such as a 5 gal bucket of rice. Be sure to apply a visible application and barrier to the top of the grain before you seal the storage container. Should be roughly 1lb per 50lbs of stored grain/food. Be sure to dust the inside of your buckets, bins, and bags before putting stored grain/food in. As an example dust the inside of the mylar bag before you but rice or lentils in it.
3. Monitoring and Reapplication
Inspect Regularly: Periodically check grains for signs of pests or moisture.
Reapply if Necessary: If grains are moved or if DE becomes damp, consider reapplying to maintain effectiveness.
Which Grains Can Be Treated with Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is suitable for most dry grains, including:
Wheat
Corn
Rice
Barley
Oats
Beans and lentils
Always ensure that the grains are dry before applying DE, as moisture can reduce its efficacy.
Safety Tips for Using Diatomaceous Earth in Grain Storage
Use Food-Grade Only
Never use non-food-grade diatomaceous earth for grain storage, as it contains additives that are unsafe for consumption.
Avoid Inhalation
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that can irritate the respiratory system. Wear a mask during application to minimize inhalation risks.
Maintain Dry Conditions
DE loses its effectiveness when wet, so ensure grains and storage areas remain dry.
Label Treated Grains
Clearly label stored grains treated with DE to avoid confusion during processing or cooking.
Consult Guidelines
Refer to local regulations or industry standards for using DE in grain storage to ensure compliance.
Benefits of Using Diatomaceous Earth in Long-Term Grain Storage
Cost-Effective Solution
DE is affordable and requires minimal reapplication, making it economical for large-scale grain storage.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
DE is a natural product that does not harm the environment or leave chemical residues.
Compliance with Organic Standards
Many organic farming certifications permit the use of food-grade DE, making it suitable for organic grain storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diatomaceous earth affect the flavor or quality of grains?
No, food-grade DE does not alter the flavor, texture, or quality of grains when used appropriately.
Is it safe to consume grains treated with diatomaceous earth?
Yes, grains treated with food-grade DE are safe to consume. The DE can be rinsed off or left as-is,
as it is non-toxic and inert.
How long does diatomaceous earth remain effective?
DE remains effective indefinitely as long as it stays dry.
Conclusion
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent, natural option for preserving grain quality and preventing pest infestations during storage. By using food-grade diatomaceous earth and following proper application methods, you can protect your grains effectively without relying on harmful chemicals.
Whether you’re storing grains at home or managing large-scale silos, DE provides a safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution for long-term grain protection.
Have you used diatomaceous earth for grain storage? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!
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