Before grain can be harvested certain preparations must be made. One of these is ensuring that grain stores are in pristine condition. However, the process can sometimes be tedious, requiring a lot of time and energy that could be better used elsewhere.
When it comes to crop hygiene, nothing can be left up to chance. So, how can you ensure your grain store is cleaned and ready to receive your harvest in a cost-effective way and without making it too labour intensive?
That’s where a robust and reliable industrial vacuum cleaner comes in. Read on to find more detail below.
What’s the worst that can happen by not cleaning the grain store?
Not cleaning your grain store adequately runs the risk of infestation by a variety of pests, which can cause damage to the grain stored there post-harvest. These pests are grouped into two different categories, each one of which impacts the grain differently.
The first group of pests is called primary, as they infect the grains, making them unusable. The secondary group feeds on dust and grains, causing great damage.
The most common primary pest to be cautious about
A grain weevil known as Sitophilus granarius is a primary pest that can cause havoc on the grain in your grain store. The insect is found throughout the United Kingdom and has the unfortunate ability to severely impact grain yield.
A single female grain weevil can live for up to nine months and produce 200 eggs in the grain. Infestations can be introduced from by vehicles used to transport grain as well as the buildings where the grain is stored. Grain weevils breed in grain with moisture content of more than 9.5% and at temperatures between 13-35C.
The most common secondary insect to keep an eye out for
Oryzaephilus surinamensis, typically referred to as the saw-toothed grain beetle, is a secondary pest that is commonly seen in grain stores. The larvae of this beetle eat broken kernels that are discarded by primary pests, like the grain weevil.
Any cracks or crevices in the grain store can provide the perfect area for these pests to fester, even during the winter months. Therefore, proactive steps must be taken to remove them to prevent grain from being damaged once stored.
How to clean a grain store properly
To prevent grain weevils and other pests causing problems, these are the steps that should be taken:
First and foremost, check that there is no damage to the fabric of the storage unit, such as holes in the walls or ceiling. This will make sure the grain store is rodent-proof and water-tight. However, keep in mind that you still need to keep it well-ventilated.
Second, make sure you clean the interior of your grain storage unit thoroughly. To ensure it’s done right, it’s recommended to begin the process at least two months before you expect the grain needs to be stored.
Start the cleaning process by vacuuming the roof and walls, followed by the floor. It’s usual for dust and debris to build up on ledges and in corners, so make sure to spend time checking these areas.
Furthermore, you’ll need to clean ducts, driers and grain handling equipment. After that, all that is left is to burn the sweepings.
Simplifying the grain store cleaning process with a Big Brute Warehouseman
To save time and effort in your grain store cleaning operations, there is an effective solution: the Big Brute Warehouseman.
This versatile piece of equipment is the ideal choice for cleaning the entire interior of a grain store. It can also be used for stables, combine harvesters, farm offices and the tractor cab – as well as across a wide range of other areas of the farm.
Designed and built in the United Kingdom, the Big Brute Warehouseman efficiently cleans large floor areas while having the ability to reach walls and into rafters to ensure nothing is left behind. Also, any crevices within elevators, augers and conveyors can be tackled more efficiently and easily with the range of useful extensions and add-ons.
Here’s what Big Brute user David White had to say:
‘I bought a Big Brute with a brush kit to clean my grain store, so I can ensure it was free from debris and dust before it received treatment. The power behind the big brute allowed for a deep clean and helped prevent any cross contamination.’
For more information on how Big Brute can help you streamline the cleaning process, contact our team today. Any questions you may have can be discussed in detail to ensure you find exactly what you need.
