Insect Pests of Stored Grain and Grain Products: Identification, Habits and Methods of Control

Stored grains and milled cereal products are subject to attack by insects that cause enormous losses annually. Of the many insects that have adapted themselves to a diet of dried vegetable material, a few are primary pests of grain in that they are able to bore into the sound kernels. Their initial attack opens the way for a much larger group that are unable to cut their way through the tough seed coat. It has been estimated that as a result of their feeding activities, their presence in grain and cereal products and the cost of methods employed to destroy them, this group of insects exacts a heavy loss in the world. In order to intelligently combat these insects it is essential to have a knowledge of their life histories, habits and environmental needs. In this book a attempt is made to acquaint the reader with these insects and the most effective methods of controlling them.