Weevils

A weevil is any beetle from the Curculionoidea superfamily. They are usually small, less than 6 millimetres (0.24 in), and herbivorous. There are over 60,000 species in several families, mostly in the family Curculionidae (the true weevils).

Many weevils are damaging to crops. The grain or wheat weevil (Sitophilus granarius) damages stored grain. The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) attacks cotton crops. It lays its eggs inside cotton bolls, and the young weevils eat their way out.

Weevils are often found in dry foods including nuts and seeds, cereal and grain products, such as pancake mix. In the domestic setting, they are most likely to be observed when a bag of flour is opened. Their presence is often indicated by the granules of the infested item sticking together in strings, as if caught in a cobweb.

Granary Weevil

Granary-Weevil

Larva Color: White with dark head Wingspread Size: about 1/8-1/4” Color: Shinning Reddish brown The granary weevil has been a major pest for centuries. It is confined to stored grain and is primarily transported by man. The larva typically requires a whole kernel for development but can develop in caked grain material. It attacks all kinds of grains and grain products. When disturbed, it draws up to its body and plays “opossum”. Adults are not attracted to light. Prevention: Good sanitation is the key along with the immediate transfer and storage of products packaged in paper, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Stored Product Pests, Weevils

Rice Weevil

Rice Weevils in Southeast Texas - Bill Clark Pest Control

Rice Weevil    Size:  1/8” Long   Color:  Reddish Brown usually w/four faint reddish-yellowish paler markers Rice Weevils are considered stored product pests. They are known for infesting fields of grains, are known to fly and are attracted to light.  They thrive in warm climates, and feed on corn, wheat, rice, beans, nuts, cereals, rye, buckwheat, stored cotton, and wheat products of all kinds, grapes, apples and pears.A female will bore a hole into the kernel of grain and lay an egg then seal the opening with a gelatinous material.  They can lay as many as 300 to 400 eggs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Stored Product Pests, Weevils