Covering Top of Seed Barrel with Diatomaceous Earth

JLMissouri · #1 07/30/14, 09:08 AM

I had some weevils infest some seed I was saving to plant. I started to think about the best way to store the seed. Currently I am storing some seed in several 55g barrels with the top cut off. If I put the seed in the barrel and then dumped diatomaceous earth on top forming a solid layer of it for the top shouldn't that be an unstoppable barrier to insects? If they were already in the barrel they would eventually die, and replacements couldn't get in. If it was clean seed it would stay clean.

I was wondering if anyone has tried this? It seems to be the easiest way to go as I don't have any barrels that seal tight, plus they could breath a little with a top coating of DE.

Rita · #2 07/30/14, 09:27 AM

I have read that many people swear DE works but in my case I mixed DE in with corn I wanted to save and it was swarming with small black beetles a total loss. Now I didn't do it the way you are planning and would love to know if putting a layer of it on top works.

farmerDale · #3 07/30/14, 09:58 AM

All you would need for that little bit of seed would be less than a handful. Just mix it into the seed. It does not take much. The stuff I use only requires a couple of cups for every 20 bushels. I just think that if there are existing weevils in the grain, they may take a long time to move all the way to the top. If it is mixed in, it is more immediate. Insect life in grains cause other issues as well. Their activity can cause heating and spoilage. I would get rid of them as soon as possible to avoid that. Therefore, I would mix the DE in, not lay it on top.

You could use a higher concentration in the top couple inches, that would surely help some.

JLMissouri · #4 08/01/14, 09:47 AM

Thanks for the input, I was planning on trying it with fresh seed.

7thswan · #5 08/01/14, 04:46 PM

IIRC, DE works on soft bodyed "bugs" such as slugs,maggots ect. It dosen't do anything much to a hard shell bug.

farmerDale · #6 08/01/14, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7thswan

IIRC, DE works on soft bodyed "bugs" such as slugs,maggots ect. It dosen't do anything much to a hard shell bug.

Actually, DE works well on beetles. The one we have issues with the most is the rusty grain beetle, which infests stored cereal crops.

So at combining time each fall, if the grain is going into the bins hot, and/or slightly damp, I often add DE to prevent trouble with these little characters. It works well, providing you get the proper application rate on, which is tricky when you are hurrying at harvest time. Trying to get a few cups per ton, involves knowing auger speeds etc. and making a good guesstimate.