Ozone can be used as a fumigant in grain that is stored over long periods of time. Ozone has been tested and proven effective in a variety of grains.
High levels of ozone can become irritating for insects, or kill them all together via oxidation. While low levels of ozone over extended periods of time will keep insects from entering the bin, or starve the insects that do happen to be in the bin. Ozone will eliminate all odor from the grain and make it impossible for insects to find or become attracted to the grain.
Below see a diagram of how ozone is produced and injected into a grain bin to maintain a low level of ozone.
Click here for more info on ozone in grain treatment
The paper below is a great example of testing done by Purdue University on the effectiveness of ozone as a fumigant in grain. This paper proved that ozone can kill insects at high levels.
For information on how to implement ozone into your grain storage click HERE.
Ozone: A new control strategy for stored grain
L.J. Mason1*, C.P. Woloshuk2
, F. Mendoza2
, D.E. Maier3
, S.A. Kells
Abstract
Due to the Montreal Protocol, pesticide resistance and the increased demand for organic grains, food manufacturers and grain handlers are looking for new ways to control insects and pathogens in stored commodities. Ozone, a powerful oxidant, has numerous beneficial applications. We have evaluated the efficacy of ozone to control pests of stored grain, the flow characteristics of ozone through various grains and the effects of long exposure times to higher concentrations on the chemical composition and processing performance of various food quality grains. A summary of this work will be presented as well as a discussion of other potential uses for this alternative pest treatment.
Key words: Ozone, Insect Pests, Fungal Pests, Fumigation Alternative,