Can I store food?

[mrl8810]

I have stored food in the past with no issues..its not in the direct sun or anything..its in a blue recycle container with a lid..I'm wondering though since winter is coming will I be able to do this? I live in the southern states where its usually 30-50 degrees in the winter...will it be okay to do this? I'd like to store about 300 lbs which last me about a month or so..its scratch and layer? Thanks.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Should be able to if moisture gets in the food will spoil

 

[BlueBaby]

I'm in the south also, out in the desert. I keep mine in those metal trash can's with a tight fitting lid. I added some caulking on the inside of the lid where the handle's are, because there was still a way for moisture to get in there. All is good, now.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Are you able to leave it in the bag so it could be clamped

 

[Ebony Rose]

Pay close attention to the mill date on your feed. The adult female grain weevil lays an average of 4 eggs per day and may live for four to five months (producing 250-400 eggs). A single generation can be completed in around 28 days. At 80 to 86 degrees F, 75- to 90-percent relative humidity, eggs hatch in grain with a moisture content of 13.5 to 19.6 percent in 3 days. The larvae feed inside the grain kernel for an average of 18 days. The pupal stage lasts an average of 6 days (5-16 range). The new adult will remain in the seed for 3 to 4 days while it's cuticle hardens and matures. The life cycle is about 30 to 40 days during the summer, and 123 to 148 days during the winter, depending on temperature.
Any chance you can stuff half of that into a deep freezer to put the breeding cycle of these pests on hold?

 

[mrl8810]

Are you able to leave it in the bag so it could be clamped

I could try...would that help?

 

[Sequel]

Were you planning on pouring it out of the bags into a recycling bin? I think that would get soggy and stale really fast. It needs to be as cool and dry as possible. Best to leave it in the bags unopened or stored in a very tight lidded container. A bag lasts me about a month and I keep it in a plastic container with a screw top lid.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I would leave it in the bags yes drop a few dryer sheets at the side they will help wick moister

 

[Criticalicious]

Another downside to storing feed in a plastic container outdoors is the potential for mice or rats to chew through the container to get at the feed. Metal containers are recommended to avoid rodents.

 

[Sequel]

Another downside to storing feed in a plastic container outdoors is the potential for mice or rats to chew through the container to get at the feed. Metal containers are recommended to avoid rodents.

That’s true about rodents. I have a management plan in place. I also have tight metal smaller garbage cans which I used before I got the cool plastic bin with the submarine door lol.