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grain mites

21 17:27:12

Question
are grain mites harmful to humans and how do i get rid of them?

Answer
They're only harmful if you're allergic to them... they may cause itchiness and such, but usually it isn't too bad. Is this grain for yourself, or for a pet?  I found this on a Penn State website:

"Prevention is the best strategy to avoid mite problems in stored grains. Proper bin sanitation before introduction of new grain minimizes the need for pesticides. Good sanitation involves the removal of old grain and dust in and around the grain bin. This includes removal of old grain from corners, floors, and walls and grain that may have spilled on the exterior of the bin. Any grain remaining when a bin is emptied can harbor insect infestations which will move into the new grain.

After the bin is cleaned, and all needed repairs have been made, the floor and wall surfaces both inside and outside the bin should be treated. Take special care to treat all cracks, crevices, and areas around doorways and other places where insects hide or enter. Spray the bins about four to six weeks prior to storing grain if the grain is to be stored longer than six months.

Before grain is placed in a bin it should be screened to eliminate fine materials and broken kernels. Grain placed in a clean bin should be checked at two week intervals during warm months and at one month intervals during cooler months for the presence of hotspots, moldy areas, and mite activity. If any of these conditions exist, the grain should be aerated to lower the moisture level and temperature.

At humidities less than fifty-five to sixty percent (commodity at twelve percent moisture content or less) grain mites can not survive. Grain that is to be stored for longer than six months may need a protective application of an approved insecticide. Treatments can be applied as the grain is loaded into the bin through the use of a metering device calibrated to apply the proper amounts. After the grain is binned and leveled, a surface dressing can be applied to prevent insects from entering the grain on the surface.

If infestation occurs in spite of these precautions, fumigation of the grain will be necessary. Because of the higher tolerance of mite eggs to fumigation, the concentration of gas introduced will need to be fifty percent greater than that for insect control. Fumigants are highly toxic, and technical knowledge is required for their proper use. A qualified, licensed pesticide applicator should be contacted to perform the fumigation."

Remember if this is for consumption, you do NOT want to use pesticides on it!

http://www.ento.psu.edu/EXTENSION/factsheets/flour_mites.htm

Good luck.