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Wildlife Wednesday: What Are Weevils and How Can You Keep Them Out?

Wildlife Wednesday graphic featuring close-up images of weevils in various food items, including grains and rice, highlighting weevil infestations in stored food.

Wildlife Wednesday: What Are Weevils and How Can You Keep Them Out?

Welcome to another Wildlife Wednesday! Today, we’re focusing on weevils, those tiny beetles you might have spotted in your pantry. While they don’t pose health risks, they can be a frustrating and persistent pest in your kitchen. Here’s everything you need to know about weevils, including how to prevent infestations and keep your food storage areas bug-free.

What Are Weevils?

Weevils are small beetles, often about 1/8 of an inch in size, with an elongated snout that makes them easy to identify. While there are many types of weevils, the most common ones you’re likely to encounter indoors are:

  • Grain Weevils: Typically found in dry grains like rice, wheat, oats, and barley.
  • Rice Weevils: Known for infesting stored rice, but also found in other grains and dried goods.
  • Flour Weevils: Commonly found in flour, pasta, and other processed grains.

Weevils are usually introduced into homes through infested food products. They can spread quickly, laying eggs in stored grains and pantry items, which hatch into larvae that feed on the food source, leading to a full-blown infestation.

Signs of a Weevil Infestation

If you notice any of the following signs in your pantry, you may have a weevil problem:

  • Tiny Bugs in Grains and Flour: Small beetles or larvae in food containers are a clear sign of infestation.
  • Holes in Food Packaging: Weevils often chew through packaging to reach food sources.
  • Unpleasant Odors: Large weevil infestations can sometimes create a musty or sour smell in your pantry.

If you spot these signs, it’s best to act quickly to remove infested items and take preventive measures to keep weevils from spreading.

Preventing Weevil Infestations

Preventing weevils is all about proper food storage and hygiene. Here are some effective steps to help keep weevils out of your pantry:

  1. Inspect Food Before Buying: Check grain and flour products for small holes or signs of contamination before purchasing them.

  2. Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for grains, flour, and other dry goods. Glass or thick plastic containers are best, as weevils can chew through thin plastic and cardboard packaging.

  3. Freeze Grains Before Storing: Freezing grains for 72 hours before placing them in the pantry can kill any weevil eggs, reducing the risk of infestation.

  4. Clean Your Pantry Regularly: Regularly clean shelves and remove food crumbs to deter weevils from settling in. Vacuum any food storage areas to remove residual flour or crumbs.

  5. Use Bay Leaves: Placing bay leaves in your pantry or containers can naturally repel weevils. The smell is a deterrent, keeping these pests away from stored food.

When to Call Paragon Pest Control

If weevils have taken over your pantry and home methods aren’t solving the problem, it’s time to call in professional help. At Paragon Pest Control, we offer expert pest management solutions tailored to eliminate pantry pests like weevils. Our team will inspect your home, identify sources of infestation, and apply safe treatments to protect your food storage areas.

Need help with a weevil problem? Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your home pest-free!

Visit paragonpestdfw.com for more pest control tips, service information, and to book an appointment!