Does DME attract ants

[masskrug]

I have a 50, well 42 now, pound bag of DME that I opened today. Has anyone experienced a problem with ants or other pests getting into the bag? I rolled the bag up and taped it down with duct tape. Is that sufficient?

 

[jwelch1103]

I'm not sure about insects but it definitely "attracts" water since it is highly hygroscopic. If I were buying DME in that quantity, and I may in the future, I would put it in 5 or 6 gallon food grade plastic bucket(s) with a Gamma Seal lid(s) and perhaps a desiccant put inside with it to absorb any moisture in the air with it.
In my area I can get 5 gallon food grade plastic buckets at Lowes and gamma seal lids at Home Depot. I store all my grain in 6 gallon food grade plastic buckets I purchased off of eBay. Using the Gamma Seal lids makes these buckets watertight and airtight so no pests can get in.

 

[Spelaeus]

Agreed on the moisture issue. And yes, ants most definitely love the stuff.

 

[GHBWNY]

I rolled the bag up and taped it down with duct tape. Is that sufficient?

Probably not. Ants and other tiny critters can get into/through/in between/around the tape and/or folds in the bag. As jwelch suggested, go with the FG plastic bucket and gamma lid. It's your best solution.

 

[Wolfbrau]

In the words of Colonel Jessup, "You're god-dam right it does!!!"

 

[masskrug]

Okay. Looks like I need to get some gamma lids. Thanks.

Nope. See below.

 

[masskrug]

Reporting back.

Over a couple of months, I did nothing but roll the bag down and secure it with duct tape. No critter issues.

 

[bu_gee]

I have a 50, well 42 now, pound bag of DME that I opened today. Has anyone experienced a problem with ants or other pests getting into the bag? I rolled the bag up and taped it down with duct tape. Is that sufficient?

It'll first attract water, then ants. I save dissicant packs from jerky and medicines just for this sort of occasion.

I would say the duct tape won't work unless there are lots of other sources of food for the ants.

Use a couple of the clamping style bag clips and consider putting it in another container that seals up pretty well.

 

[masskrug]

Well, I live in Florida. If there is a state more humid than Florida please insert it here_________.

I take what I need, and roll the bag up. I have not had an issue with clumps (I store the bag indoors).

 

[brewtus_]

I like to use a large turkey baking bag inside of a 5 gallon bucket with a good gasket seal. I've had DME in a fairly humid basement for two years without bugs or moisture.

 

[iaefebs]

I have a 50, well 42 now, pound bag of DME that I opened today. Has anyone experienced a problem with ants or other pests getting into the bag? I rolled the bag up and taped it down with duct tape. Is that sufficient?

I've store DME that I ended up using for starters for over 5 years with no bug infestation or clumping. When I first opened the 55# bag I resealed everything in smaller amounts 2# to 5# sizes with a vacuum sealer. If I opened a bag and didn't use it all I vacuumed sealed it again. The trick is to watch the vacuum and as soon as it moves the DME towards the vacuum shut it off and seal. I wouldn't trust a gasket seal bucket to protect it.

 

[eric_Hr4]

I keep mine in a sealed bucket and a purge the bucket with co2. Bugs gotta breath as well. Had a problem once. Never again since I purge before sealing.