Grain Storage Pests

Biology and Habits of the Most Common Insects That Infest Cereal Grains and Their Products 

Lepidoptera This is a cosmopolitan insect that in the adult stage measures 5-10 mm long. The basal and distal halves of the front and Phycitidae hind wings are light and dark-coppery colored, respectively. The 13-mm-long larvae differ in color, and can be white, 

Confused beetle Triholium confusum Red flour weevil Triholium castanum 

Rat grain beetle Cryptolestes pusUlus Rusty grain beetle Crystolestes ferrugineus 

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In general, sensitization to insects occurs in about 30% of individuals with high-risk exposure. Allergenic insects are not only found at home but frequently in various types of work places which favor the exposure to a number of insect species concurrently. Storage pests are also an important consideration in workers exposed at their workplace as demonstrated in recent studies from Spain and South Africa. Prevalence rates of up to 50% for insects such as cockroaches, mealworms, and mites were documented. While the sensitization to these insects most probably occurred via the inhalational route, cross-contamination of grain and subsequently the end-products can also be expected. 

Grain should be dried and cooled as quickly as possible. Grain should be stored at 14% moisture content or below. Chemical control as for other storage pests. 

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