Home / Grain / Stored Grain Pest Control Safety

Stored Grain Pest Control Safety

Pest control in grain storage mixes pesticide hazards with bin hazards. This guide covers the principles of safe practice and sends you to labels, EPA and extension for specifics.

Why is pest control a safety topic?

Insects and other pests can damage grain, but the products and methods used against them can harm people if used incorrectly. Work also takes place in enclosed bins, on ladders and around dust, which adds to the risk.

Prevention that does not involve chemicals, such as cleaning and monitoring, is usually the first step. Ask extension about the full range of options.

Work out which pest you are dealing with before choosing a method. Some problems need a different approach than others, and a specialist can identify what you have.

• Identify the pest before choosing a method
• Use cleaning and monitoring first

What does prevention look like?

Clean bins thoroughly before filling, remove old grain and sweepings, seal gaps, fix leaks and keep the area around bins free of spilled grain and weeds. Cool grain and check it regularly.

Good housekeeping reduces the need for treatments. Extension publications for your crop and region explain what works.

Keep a record of any treatments, including the product, date, bin and who applied it. Many buyers and agencies may ask for it, and the record helps you plan next year.

• Remove old grain and fines before filling
• Seal gaps and fix leaks
• Keep grounds around bins clear
• Cool and monitor grain

How do I use pesticides safely?

The label is the law for any pesticide in the United States. Read it before every use and follow it exactly, including the personal protective equipment, application method and rules about re-entry. Do not use a product on a crop or site that the label does not allow.

Store pesticides in original containers, locked and away from food, feed, children and animals. Do not mix products unless the label directs it.

Wash hands and exposed skin after handling products, and launder work clothes separately from household laundry, as the label advises.

Who can apply what?

Some products can only be used by certified applicators. Rules for certification and licensing differ by state. Your state department of agriculture and your extension office can explain what applies, and EPA's pesticide pages describe federal requirements.

If you are not certified, hire a licensed professional. Check their license with your state agency.

Some states also keep records of restricted products. Ask your state agency what applies, since those rules differ.

• Certification rules vary by state
• Hire a licensed professional if unsure
• Verify any license with your state agency
• Keep treatment records

What about protective equipment?

The label and the safety data sheet name the protection needed. Respirators, gloves, eye protection and clothing must be chosen and used as directed, and a respirator requires proper fit and training.

Ask your state agriculture department, OSHA or an occupational health provider about respirator rules. Do not guess.

If you notice dizziness, headache, nausea, skin or eye irritation while working with any product, stop and leave the area for fresh air.

What if someone is exposed?

Signs of exposure vary by product. If someone feels unwell after handling a pesticide, move them to fresh air if you can do so without exposing yourself, and call 911 for serious symptoms. For advice on poisoning, contact the national poison help line listed in official resources.

Have the product label or container available when you call, so responders know what the person was exposed to.

Never assume that a respirator or gloves from a past job are still suitable. Equipment wears out, and a different product may need different protection.

• Follow label PPE exactly
• Never reuse worn or damaged gear
• Wash up after every use

Where can I learn more?

EPA publishes pesticide safety information, and land-grant extension offices run applicator training. State agriculture departments handle licensing. AgriSafe offers resources on agricultural health.

Rules vary by state, so confirm with your state agency. In an emergency, call 911.

Ask extension about integrated pest management, which combines cleaning, monitoring, cooling and careful use of products. It often reduces risk and cost together.

• EPA pesticide pages
• State agriculture department
• County extension office

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.