The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1916-01-07
WATCH FOR GRAIN wEEWLs.

WATCH FOR GRAIN WEEvILS.
How the Pests May 30 Destroyed by
Timely Treatment
Prepared by Ohio station.l
The Ohio experiment station has re-
ceived numerous inquiries concerning
the treatment for weevil in stored
grain. The weather during the past
summer and fall has been very damp.
making stored grain liable to be much
higher in moisture content than in nor
NAL years. This damp condition Of the
wheat furnishes the proper condition
for the various kinds Of grain weevil
to develop and breed rapidly. Grain
soon becomes almost alive with wee
wills. and unless they are destroyed
they will damage the grain seriously
In q short time. Weevils often de-
stroy or render unfit for food from 2
to 20 per cent of the average Ohio
wheat crop. Treat your weevily grain
Immediately or cold weather may pre-
vent.
All Of the insects in stored grain
known as weevil are killed by a treat
ment of carbon bisulphide. provided
the bins are tight and the temperature
is at G5 to 20 degrees f. or warmer.
Carbon bisulphide is used at the rate
Of FIVE to eight pounds for each 1000
cubic feet of space In the grain bin:
hence a bin IL by IL by Z feet will re-
quire five to eight pounds Of carbon
bisulphide II it is tight and the tem-
perature around 20 degrees +. Car.
bon b%isulphide forms u heavy gas &c
times the weight Of air. This peculiar
ity, together with the smothering of in
sect life through the replacing Of most
Of the air with carbon b%isulphide gas.
makes it valuable as u stored grain
fumigant. The heavy carbon bisul-
phide gas settles down through the
grain, destroying all of the insect life
in it in thirty-six to %forty-eight hours.
The gas is inhammable; hence fire
Of any kind should not be brought near
the bins during the fumigation period
or for a few days just after the fumi-
cation is done.
Make your bins rs tight as possible.
Paste paper over cracks or openings
out of which the gas might leak.
See that the temperature is around
70 degrees +.
Introduce the carbon bisulphide direct
ly into the grain by means of a short
section Of pipe with perforated sides
and the end plugged or pour directly
on the surface Of the grain. putting not
more than a pint in a place.
Use five to eight pounds Of carbon
bisulphide to each 1000 cubic feet of
space. at 20 degrees F.. provided the
bins are tight. If below IS degrees
f. and the bins are not tight approx
mately double these amounts must be
used.
Keep the bins closed for thirty-six
to f~orty-eight hours. Fumigation for
longer periods sometimes Injuries ger.
mination, but does not affect edibility.
Afterward open the door and win.
dows. airing out the granary thorough
ly. Shift the grain by putting It In
other bins. shoveling 1t owe or clean.
ing 1t, as damp. weevily grain some.
times heats a few days after being
fumigated, due to the moisture from
the dead weevils. Aerating the grain
prevents 1t from heating and spelling.
Always make the application in day
light, being careful to breathe as little
Of the fumes as possible. as the vapor
Of carbon bisulphide often gives the
average person a severe headache II
breathed too much.