Incidence and Spread of Insects from Bucket Elevator Leg Boots

This research will determine typical levels of insect infestations in commercial elevator and flour and feed mill boot pit areas, determine spread of infestations from this area to other portions of the grain elevator, correlate insects in elevator boot pit to insects found in grain stored in silos, and determine impact of sanitation and spot or whole facility treatments on insect densities in boot pits. The dynamics of the movement of infestations will be assessed in greater detail in pilot-scale tests and with computer simulations. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop mechanistic and economic models and use them to develop best management practices for pest management programs in grain elevators.