What Are Weevils?

You may find the following weevils in your pantry:

What Causes Pantry Weevils?

Adult weevils look for shelter when it is hot and dry outdoors.

Broad nosed Weevil

Achim Mittler, Frankfurt am Main / Getty Images

Also, throw away any nearby open containers.

Even unopened cardboard containers may be suspect if they don’t have sealed inner liners that are intact.

When it comes to weevils, it’s better to be aggressive about disposing of suspected foods.

Rice grains being inspected for weevil or insect infestation

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Individual food cans and glass containers should also be cleaned before being returned to the cupboards.

The goal here is to ensure that no adult weevils remain to establish a new infestation.

These are very small insects, so they may escape your efforts unless you clean quite diligently.

Food pantry shelves vacuumed from weevil or insect infestation

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

If using a commercial product, follow the instructions on the bottle for the highest success rate.

Studies have shown bay leaf can be an effective means of repelling insects such as weevils or pantry moths.

Sticky Traps

Don’t underestimate sticky traps when dealing with a weevil infestation.

Bottom shelf of kitchen pantry swept by soft bristled brush and pan

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Strategically place sticky traps in areas you suspect are hosting weevils and in food storage areas.

you’re free to place the traps in corners and inconspicuous areas.

Keep your kitchen cabinets, etc., dust-free, because dust can minimize the efficacy of sticky traps.

Kitchen shelf wiped down with wet towel from weevil infestation

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Freezing will kill any weevils that are hitchhiking in commercial packaging.

Grain products that are merely refrigerated will be less susceptible, though not immune to weevil problems.

Transferring grain products to sealed metal or glass containers can also prevent infestations.

Tightly sealed glass containers labeled with different food items on kitchen shelf

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Before each use in cooking, carefully inspect the grain to ensure there’s no insect activity.

They can investigate for the source of the infestation which may have gone beyond the pantry or cabinets.

Weevils do not have the mouth parts necessary to inflict bites.

Other than the damage to stored cereal grains, these insects do not pose any risk to humans.

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Buhler, W.Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly.Pesticide Environmental Stewardship.

Rice Weevil and Granary Weevil.Iowa State University Horticulture and Home Pest News.