Grain Fumigation & Tablets for a Gas-Tight Store
Protects wheat
Enter the space volume or grain tonnage and the dose rate to get the tablets, active substance and phosphine released— to control stored-grain insects in a gas-tight space. Trained operators only.
Dose grain fumigation tablets
Next: place 100 tablets, seal the space gas-tight, hold the full label exposure period, then ventilate thoroughly and confirm clearance before any re-entry.
SAFETY — aluminium phosphide is highly toxic. Fumigate only in gas-tight sealed spaces, by trained/licensed operators, for the prescribed exposure period, with proper aeration and gas monitoring before re-entry. Never fumigate near occupied buildings.
Grain fumigation — key facts
- Tablets
- volume (or tonnage) × rate
- Fumigant
- aluminium phosphide
- Per tablet
- 3 g releases ≈ 1 g phosphine
- Gas
- phosphine — highly toxic
- Space
- must be gas-tight
- Operators
- trained & licensed only
- After
- aerate thoroughly before re-entry
- Privacy
- Runs in your browser; nothing uploaded
Dose the store right — and treat phosphine with respect
Stored-grain insects can ruin a season's harvest in weeks, and the standard control is fumigation with aluminium phosphide tablets in a gas-tight space. The tablets react with moisture to release phosphine, which penetrates the grain and kills every insect stage over the exposure period. Getting the dose right matters: tablets = space volume (or grain tonnage) × the label rate, and each 3 g tablet releases about 1 g of phosphine.
This tool gives the number of tablets, the active substance and the phosphine released for your store, plus the volume. Safety first: phosphine is highly toxic — only trained operators should fumigate, in sealed structures, for the full exposure period, then aerate thoroughly before re-entry. Always follow the product label and local regulations. Pair it with the Storage Loss, Grain Storage Capacity and Aeration tools to manage the whole store.
Right tablet count
Dose per m³ or per tonne, no guesswork.
Check the gas load
See active substance and phosphine released.
Protect the harvest
Kill stored-grain insects at all stages.
Fumigate safely
Sealed space, full period, then aerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does grain fumigation work?+
Stored-grain insects are controlled by fumigation with aluminium phosphide tablets placed in a gas-tight space. The tablets react with moisture in the air to release phosphine gas, which penetrates the grain and kills insects at all life stages over the exposure period. The space must stay sealed for the gas to build up and hold a lethal concentration.
How is the dose calculated?+
The dose is a number of tablets per cubic metre of space (or per tonne of grain) set by the label and the target pest. Tablets = volume (or tonnage) × tablets per unit. This tool gives the tablets, the active substance and the phosphine released, plus the volume — so you can dose a bag stack, bin or sealed room accurately.
How much phosphine does a tablet release?+
Each standard 3 g aluminium phosphide tablet releases about 1 g of phosphine gas as it reacts with atmospheric moisture. The calculator multiplies your tablet count by this to estimate the active substance and phosphine produced, so you can check the gas load against the space being treated.
Is phosphine fumigation dangerous?+
Yes — phosphine is highly toxic to humans and animals. Only trained, licensed operators should fumigate, using proper protective equipment and gas monitoring. Fumigate only in sealed structures, keep people and livestock well clear, place warning signs, and never enter a fumigated space until it has been fully aerated and tested safe.
How long should the fumigation last?+
Keep the space sealed for the full label exposure period — commonly several days — so the gas reaches and kills every insect stage, including eggs and pupae. Cutting the period short leaves survivors and breeds resistance. After the exposure ends, aerate thoroughly until phosphine readings fall to a safe level before re-entry.
Why must the space be gas-tight?+
Phosphine only works if it builds up and holds a lethal concentration for the whole exposure period. A leaky store lets gas escape, drops the concentration, fails to kill insects and wastes tablets — while still being hazardous outside. Seal cracks, doors and sheets, and check the structure holds gas before dosing.
Do I dose by volume or by grain weight?+
Both are used. Dosing per cubic metre suits sealed empty rooms or stacks under sheets; dosing per tonne suits bins and silos filled with grain. Follow whichever the label specifies for your situation and pest, and enter that rate here — the tool handles either basis.
How do I aerate safely afterwards?+
After the exposure period, open the structure and ventilate — ideally with forced air — to flush out the phosphine. Keep people clear and use a calibrated phosphine detector to confirm the concentration has dropped below the safe threshold before anyone enters or the grain is moved. Dispose of spent tablet residue per the label.
Are the figures precise?+
The tablet and gas figures are exact for the rate you enter, but real fumigation success depends on a truly sealed space, temperature, moisture, grain depth and exposure time. Always follow the product label and local regulations — this calculator sizes the dose; safe, effective fumigation is the trained operator's responsibility.