Wondering how to get rid of weevils? We explain how to do it!
By opening the packet of pasta or rice, you may find yourself face to face with a strange insect. Similar to a beetle with a proboscis, this black or red insect is not to be confused with the food moth. Although these two pests enjoy the same food, they are different. The weevil, since it is about him, is a very singular small animal which feeds primarily on cereals. Discover in detail all the peculiarities of this beetle. And follow our advice to get rid of them both in the kitchen and in the garden. Tips or radical solutions, everything you need to know to eliminate the weevil from your home.
Summary
What is a weevil?
The weevil is a small harmful insect that is frequently found in cereals, but also in provisions of pasta, rice, white beans or chickpeas. In the house, they are called wheat weevils or rice weevils. They should not be confused with food moths.
Be aware that there are also weevils in the garden, which attack vegetable plants, flowers and shrubs. And there are also wood weevils that like to eat wet wood, especially that of bathroom beams.
In the kitchen, the development of this insect takes place inside the grain of the cereal or the bean. The female makes a hole there, lays an egg and fills the hole with mucilage (vegetable substances), which hardens in the air.
The weevil larva will then dig a gallery through the grain, and will widen it as it grows. Thus, during this development, the interior of the grain will be consumed. You will only find a food emptied of its substance, but containing excrement.
His look
The weevil is a beetle that measures between 2 and 4 mm in adulthood. It is black, sometimes red and has an elongated shape and a flat back. Its physical appearance resembles that of a small beetle with a trunk and three pairs of legs.
To flush out the presence of weevils in your supplies, pour cereal or pasta, or beans into a clear glass jar. Then close the jar and shake it. After a few moments, you will see the weevils appear. These little insects can’t stand shocks!
Getting rid of weevils in the house: effective solutions
Cold : the fridge !
Weevils do not like cold weather. It is therefore advisable to take out your supplies in cold weather to get rid of these insects.
Store your cereal, pasta or beans in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Below 10°C, the development of the weevils will be stopped. All you have to do is remove them.
The hot : the boiling water !
Weevils do not like cold or heat. When you cook your pasta, rice or beans in boiling water, the insects will come to the surface. Remove it with a foam.
Throw away and clean up!
If your food products are really infested with weevils, take drastic measures. Dispose of food in a tightly closed garbage bag.
Then, vacuum your closet shelves, cleaning from top to bottom. Also, don’t forget the places likely to harbor this kind of insects (baseboards, cracks in the wall, etc.). And get rid of the vacuum cleaner bag as well as the trash bag.
Hermetic jars
And to avoid the occurrence of weevils in your kitchen cupboards, consider using airtight jars and boxes to store your cereals, pasta and beans.
Lock up all your food products likely to interest the weevil to prevent its appearance in your pantry.
The chemical solution: call a professional
These insect pests are very invasive. And it is not always easy to get rid of them once they have proliferated.
If ever the « soft » solutions are not enough, it is advisable to call on a professional to get rid of them. An exterminator will use a chemical to eliminate the insect.
Get rid of weevils in the garden
In the garden, weevils are also pests to watch closely. Each weevil attacks a particular plant. Some are more interested in vegetable plants while others prefer plants such as lilac, yew or cedar.
To get rid of weevils in the garden, consider checking the leaves of your plants. Although small, these insect pests remain visible to the naked eye. Shake the foliage and if you see weevils, collect them to destroy them.
On the other hand, water and hoe frequently. The other trick is to plant irises in your garden. The smell of these plants acts as a weevil repellent.
Then you can treat affected plants with worms called nematodes. They feed on insects, especially weevils. You can find them for sale in garden centres. Use them as soon as possible or leave them in the fridge for a few days. Carry out the treatment of infested plants in the evening or in the morning, when the soil is damp and the outside temperature is above 13°C. Be careful not to use chemicals in areas treated with nematodes as they are living organisms.
Finally, if the plant or shrub is attacked too much, there is no other solution than to completely burn the plant.
Weevils and health: is it dangerous?
Are weevils insects harmful to health? Is it safe for men to use it, either inadvertently or on purpose?
Know that the weevil is not dangerous to health. Moreover, the larvae of this insect are edible.
On the other hand, there may be a risk of allergy, however difficult to assess. If you tend to have allergies, it is better to avoid eating a weevil.
On the other hand, moldy droppings of weevils can be toxic, without however representing a danger to humans. However, in the presence of packages that are too infested, it is better to throw them in the trash than to incur any risk.
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