Why Insect Control Matters in Milling: Protecting Quality, Yield, and Profitability

Insect infestation is a constant concern for milling operations, impacting everything from grain quality to regulatory compliance and bottom-line profitability. While visible insect activity may seem minor at first, even low-level infestations can have significant economic consequences.

Our Technical Services expert, Johnny Wilson, PhD, shares a study conducted by Dr. Jeff Gwirtz and the USDA Center for Grain and Animal Health Research in Manhattan, KS regarding the importance and value of insect control in the milling process.

This blog marks the first in a series exploring key findings from the study and their implications for milling operations. (Read the full study here, published in Milling Journal.)

The Hidden Costs of Infestation

When insects such as the lesser grain borer infest stored wheat, they do more than just consume kernels. They also cause structural damage that weakens the grain, increases breakage, and leads to contamination.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA^®) sets strict regulatory limits, allowing no more than 75 insect fragments per 50 grams of flour. Beyond meeting these standards, milling facilities must also consider the direct economic impact of infestation.

Infested wheat leads to:

• Higher levels of waste and cleaning costs
• Reduced flour yield due to damaged kernels
• Increased processing inefficiencies
• Potential regulatory issues and customer dissatisfaction

The Case for Proactive Insect Control

Rather than dealing with the aftermath of infestation, milling operations benefit most from a preventative approach. The study demonstrates that mills processing infested wheat must compensate for losses by using additional raw materials, cutting into profitability. Even if dead insects are removed, the damage to kernels affects milling efficiency, requiring adjustments to process flow and cleaning parameters.

By implementing comprehensive insect control strategies, mills can:

• Maintain wheat quality and optimize flour yield
• Reduce waste and avoid unnecessary cleaning costs
• Stay compliant with FDA® regulations
• Protect profitability by minimizing material losses

A Data-Driven Approach to Milling Efficiency

In the next installment of this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the economic impact of infestation and how losses add up over time.

Ensuring high-quality flour production starts with proactive pest management. Visit our product page here for information to help you implement a proactive solution, or contact a representative in your area to talk through the solution that’s right for you.

Stay tuned for more insights on how milling operations can optimize their process, protect their profits, and maintain a competitive edge.

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