Johnny Wilson, Ph.D., of Central Life Sciences on what facilities should be doing right now to combat grain pests.
As record-breaking heat sweeps across grain-producing states, concerns are rising about its impact on stored grain quality. Grain Journal spoke with Johnny Wilson, Ph.D., technical services specialist for Grain Protection at Central Life Sciences, to discuss the relationship between extreme weather, insect pressure, and effective storage strategies.
GRAIN JOURNAL:How does extreme heat affect insect pressure and infestation in stored grain?
WILSON: Unfortunately, extreme heat rarely comes alone. It’s usually paired with high moisture, and that combination is what really drives insect issues. Insects like rice weevils need both surface moisture and internal kernel moisture above 14% to thrive. The heat amplifies that. Add in more moisture from recent weather patterns, and you’ve got ideal conditions for population explosions.
GJ:What are some of the early warning signs facility managers should watch for?
W: Real-time temperature and moisture probes are invaluable. They help you spot trends before they become problems, whether it’s mold, sweating grain, or insect activity. That kind of data lets you manage the grain strategically instead of reactively.
GJ:Does facility size or geography change the risk profile?
W: Absolutely. Larger operations face greater complexity, and older facilities, especially those with wood or outdated construction, have more harbor points for insects. I know of one Oklahoma mill that adds extra deltamethrin to its Gravista® formulation to compensate. They’ve accepted that fast kill is critical in their environment.
GJ:What’s the most common mistake you see with pre-season treatment?
W: The biggest issue is turnover. Tribal knowledge is being lost as managers rotate between facilities or companies. Too often, someone comes in, cuts spending on pest control to look good on paper, and leaves problems for the next person. Listening to longtime employees can prevent that.
GJ: What proactive steps can grain handlers take right now?
W: Start cleanout early, and don’t assume cold weather will kill infestations. If you’re layering new grain on top of old, you’re setting yourself up for a spring infestation. Treat proactively and monitor year-round. The problem isn’t when you apply, it’s when you wait too long.
GJ:The SLAM protocol is often referenced in stored grain management. Can you explain what it includes and why each step is important?
W: S.L.A.M. stands for Sanitation, Loading, Aeration, and Monitoring. It’s not just a checklist – each phase is critical. For example, sanitation includes bin cleanout and applying dry insecticide like Gravista®-D before loading. Aeration must be managed carefully to prevent moisture migration. And monitoring is often skipped, but it’s what helps you target treatment where it’s actually needed.
GJ:Are there any recent developments or learnings from Central Life Sciences’ research worth noting?
W: We’ve seen in field trials that dry protectants like Gravista®-D, when used for empty-bin treatments, provide faster kill rates against weevils than liquids. That could be the difference between complete prevention and a full-blown issue later. It’s something every facility should consider integrating into their plan.
Watch the full conversation at gotowebinar.com.