Types of insecticides and fumigants used in mills

Worldwide about 25% of all stored grain, such as maize, is lost annually to damage caused by insects, which makes fumigation a necessity.

In this four-part series, Roff takes a look at measures the maize miller can take to control this very real threat to his business. This blog examines different types of insecticides maize millers can consider.

Contact insecticides are sprayed on the floors, walls and machines in the mill, as well as products in the warehouse. The most common types are water-based Cooperfos and Reldan, and oil-based
Pybuthrin and Pymist. These are classed as residual sprays which destroy insects up to several days after their application.

Pybuthrin may be used in the form of smoke or fog which is produced in a smoke generator such as a swing fog machine. Always inform the local fire department when using a fogging machine.

Other types of contact sprays can be applied by means of hand or electric sprayers.

REMEMBER:
Do not spray directly on to meal or any packed products. When used in the warehouse, use only a light application.None of the above insecticides kill insects in the egg or pupa stage.

02. Insectigas

This is a chemical based on Dichlorophos, and is applied in a liquid form using a pressure cylinder carried as a backpack. Insectigas must be applied by a trained person wearing the necessary protective clothing. It does not kill insects in the egg stage.

03. Phosphine

One of the most common types of fumigants used in the mill is Aluminium Phosphide or Phostoxin (trade name). This fumigant can either be used in pellet form to fumigate grain in the silo bins, or in sachet form to fumigate bagged maize or finished products. The sachets are also used to fumigate mills and warehouses.

Grain in the silo
The pellets are normally inserted into the grain as it enters the bin by means of a pellet dispenser. The gas should remain sealed in the silo bin for up to six days to ensure that it kills all stages of the insects life cycle. Once the pellet has done its work, all that remains is a fine, non-toxic, greyish powder which will be removed from the grain during the cleaning stage prior to conditioning.

Recommended dosage: 11 pellets per ton for maize in the concrete silos, and 30 pellets per ton for steel bins.

Grain in bags
The bags are placed on dunnage boards and covered by a tarpaulin in the warehouse. Recommended dosage: 4 tablets per cubic metre, or 1 sachet per cubic metre for stacked grain.

Customer returns
The same method as above is used and the product is left for 5 to 7 days. Some mills use old shipping containers as fumigation chambers.

Mills
The entire mill should be fumigated at least twice a year. All machines, conveyors, elevators etc., must be opened and thoroughly cleaned out. They are left open during the period of the fumigation. All windows, doors and other openings are sealed using plastic sheeting and tape. Electronic equipment must also be covered.

For this type of space fumigation, phosphine sachets are recommended; these are put in cardboard trays which are strategically placed throughout the building. Sachets may also be hung in empty bins or other areas of the building. After the required fumigation period, sachets must be safely discarded.

Recommended dosage: 2 per 11 cubic metre of empty space.

Warehouses
Fumigation of warehouses should be carried out at least four times per year using the same method as above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions below

Why should a maize producer consider investing in a maize mill?

A maize mill gives producers the opportunity to add value to their own maize instead of relying only on the raw grain price. By milling, packaging and marketing maize meal, producers can create an additional revenue stream and reduce the impact of maize price volatility on their business. By-products like maize germ and bran can also be sold or used in feed operations, helping ensure that more of the maize kernel contributes to the bottom line.

How can milling help protect farmers from maize price fluctuations?

Maize prices are constantly influenced by market conditions, weather, climate changes and global events. When prices are low, producers may feel pressure on margins, especially when input costs remain high. Milling helps producers move further up the value chain by selling a finished product rather than only raw maize, giving them more control over their margins and market position.

What products can be made from a maize milling plant?

A commercial maize mill can produce maize meal, while some configurations can also produce grits for snack products. The milling process also creates by-products such as maize germ and bran, which can be sold to feedlots or used in a producer’s own animal feed operation. In Idlani’s case, this has become a useful additional income stream alongside their main maize meal business.

What makes the Roff R-70 a good option for maize milling entrepreneurs?

The Roff R-70 is a compact commercial maize mill designed for entrepreneurs who want to produce maize meal at scale. It has a milling capacity of 4 to 5 tons per hour and can produce up to 120 tons of maize per day, depending on the configuration. Roff positions the R-70 as a compact, all-in-one maize mill built around simple, high-quality milling principles.

What support does Roff provide with the R-70?

Roff supplies the mill, electric panel boards, installation, set-up and training. The blog also highlights the value of choosing a manufacturer with a strong reputation, industry knowledge, after-sales support and locally available parts, especially when downtime can directly affect profitability.

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