Fuel Bugs in Diesel Fuel: Causes, Prevention & Summer Storage Tips | Hinds Energy
Fuel Bugs: They're Real, And Summer Gives Them an Advantage
If you've worked around diesel fuel long enough, you've probably heard someone mention "fuel bugs." It sounds like an old shop term that gets passed from one mechanic to another, but the problem itself is very real. Every summer, warm temperatures and moisture create conditions that can lead to microbial growth in diesel fuel tanks, affecting everything from backup generators to construction equipment and farm machinery.
At Hinds Energy, we've spent decades delivering diesel fuel, heating oil, gasoline, and commercial fuels throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York. One thing we've learned is that fuel quality doesn't stop mattering after delivery. Proper diesel fuel storage is just as important as the fuel itself.
Most people associate diesel with winter. Cold weather brings concerns about fuel gelling and winter additives, while summer often gets overlooked. In reality, summer creates an entirely different challenge. Here in NEPA and the Southern Tier, warm, humid days followed by cooler nights cause diesel storage tanks to naturally expand and contract. As tanks "breathe," humid air moves in and out, allowing moisture to accumulate over time.
Contrary to the nickname, fuel bugs aren't bugs at all. They are naturally occurring bacteria and fungi that grow where water and diesel fuel meet. Diesel itself isn't the problem. Water is. Once moisture enters a diesel storage tank, warm temperatures simply allow microbial colonies to grow more quickly.
As these microorganisms multiply, they produce a slimy biomass that can clog diesel fuel filters, restrict fuel flow, contribute to tank corrosion, and reduce equipment reliability. Many owners don't realize contamination has developed until a backup generator won't start during an outage, a tractor begins losing power, or construction equipment experiences unexpected downtime.
The encouraging news is that diesel fuel contamination is often preventable. Regular diesel tank inspections, keeping water out of storage tanks, removing accumulated water when it's found, and following good fuel management practices all help protect stored fuel. When microbial contamination has already developed, a registered diesel biocide can help control the growth.
At Hinds Energy, we carry Killem® Diesel Treatment with Biocide, a professional diesel fuel treatment designed to help control microbial contamination when used according to the manufacturer's directions. Combined with proper fuel storage practices, it can be an effective part of a long-term diesel fuel maintenance program.
Whether you're storing fuel for farm equipment, commercial fleets, emergency generators, or construction equipment, understanding how diesel behaves during the summer months can help reduce maintenance costs, prevent unnecessary downtime, and protect your fuel investment.
At Hinds Energy, we believe delivering fuel is only part of the job. Helping our customers understand diesel fuel storage, fuel quality, and preventative maintenance is just as important. That's been our commitment to businesses and homeowners across Northeast Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York for generations.
