The farming life is a lifestyle that is rife with hustling. It is a job that can be considered to have no end, as there are always moving dynamics to be aware of. This ranges from taking care of your livestock to ensuring the right conditions are present for crop growth. Crops like grains will develop with the right farming conditions.
On the other hand, grains can also be subject to attack from external factors. Normally, pests of some kind may be attracted to your grains for sustenance purposes. If left to rot, they will do far more harm than simply damaging them in a minor way. If you are a grain farmer specifically, you need a strategy to get rid of these pests.
Here is how to get rid of pests for a grain farmer:
Grain growth season
In terms of optimal development, many grain farmers tend to their crops during the warmer months. There is much more sunlight and the right fertile soil available for growth. While this is the most sought season to utilize, it also gives rise to pests which may accumulate in numbers.
Since there is almost nothing you can do about this, it would be wise to take extra precautions. Ensure that you get the right protective supplies to shield your crops from added harm. You can also grow your grains indoors and allow the natural light to pour in through a roof!
Sanitize the storage area
Pests usually do not come out of anywhere in an arbitrary manner. Some factors will always be present to accelerate their growth and presence near a grain farm. An unclean growth area is one of the most common factors that give rise to their presence. Since many infestations rarely begin in a field, it is encouraged to look at your storage setups.
Sometimes, these areas may have been ignored for far too long. Always take the time to clean and properly sanitize your storage setups to remain clean for future use. Unfortunately, if you do not, it will attract pests to that area, which, in turn, hampers crop growth. Gather the right cleaning supplies, and schedule some cleaning every couple of weeks.
In addition, you should manage the environmental factors in your grain storage area. A wireless grain bin monitoring system can control the climate conditions that allow your crops to thrive. From moisture to temperature, ensure everything is at moderate levels so that your grains are stored correctly.
Pest control
Sanitizing can come about in several formats, all of which can be effective. For example, you may decide to use water and soap, spraying down all the adjacent storage areas. This can undoubtedly be effective, but you may also resort to synthetic supplies. Cleaning chemicals can be extremely viable in several ways.
Many grain protectants come in the form of a cleaning chemical. These insecticides will not only kill any pests present, but it prevents their attraction as a whole. After applying the recommended coating, you usually do not have to worry about their arrival again. After all, the last thing any grain farmer wants to deal with is those pesky nuisances!
Professional fumigation
One of the best ways to get rid of grain pests is to use chemicals to eliminate their presence. Since this is a do-it-yourself method in its structure, you may not be able to get rid of all traces overall. It may be best to call in a professional for assistance. Fumigation may then have to happen to make things right.
Professional fumigation is a comprehensive way of eliminating any traces of pests on the farm. The individual will apply the method in areas you may have overlooked. Since there are so many areas where pests can reside, it is crucial to attack that head-on to stop their growth.
Insect traps
In some cases, the growth of pests in and around your grain farm may be minor in scope. Even though this is less common during the warmer months, their presence can remain problematic. However, you do not have to resort to expensive methods just yet. Basic insect traps can prove to be very effective.
Probe traps are some of the best techniques to employ in this situation. These traps can be fixed onto some nearby plumbing fixtures, which can be areas for pest growth. Once the pests are caught in the trap, they will be unable to move and cause further damage to your grains.
Grain inspection
You will always have to keep reviewing your growth area’s state. Your grains must be given time to develop unincumbered and without damage from nearby pests. Keep reviewing their state and setting up the right traps or methods. Once you do that, you can focus your efforts on other key areas in your farming!