Rice weevils in shelled corn

Rollie NE PA · Sep 30, 2014

I have a small amount of shelled corn that I carried over from last fall. I have an infestation of the Rice weevil. I put some of the corn in a metal bushel ash can and applied some Diatomaceous Earth, which is supposed to kell the weevil. The weevils are as healthy as ever. I tried adding some Seven power to corn and the weevils are still alive.

I burned the corn in my coal stoker to get rid of it. So my question is, what can I use to sanitize the bin, which is 1/8 wire mesh and the shed where I store the corn.
I sell the corn to people that feed the Turkeys, Deer and other critters so I have to be careful what I use.

JLeus · Sep 30, 2014

The problem with the weevil is its a primary feeder. An insect (most, there are exceptions)has 4 life stages, egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. Primary feeders bore a hole in a good kernel and deposit an egg. The first three life stages are lived within the confines of the kernel, relatively protected from contact insecticides, including the diatomaceous earth. You are probably seeing subsequent adults exiting kernels rather than happy adult that have been exposed to your application. To address your storage the best path is thorough cleaning to remove all residues and then apply some aqueous insecticide. Some are fine after the material dries. Bifenthrin is a dependable active ingredient. A product called Talstar has a label that fits your need. If you have access and knowledge on the use of fumigants that is an effective option. Phosphine is about it anymore but the label has become very restrictive over the last decade.

Rollie NE PA · Sep 30, 2014

Thanks for the info. I looked at Talstar and it looks like a good choice.

Rice weevils in shelled corn

Rollie NE PA

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JLeus

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Rollie NE PA

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