Rice Weevils

What do rice weevils look like?

Rice weevils are a species of pantry pest. They are very small, and adults only grow to be about 1/8 of an inch in length. Rice weevils are red-brown to black with round pits on the thorax and four yellow or red spots on the corners of their forewings. They have fully developed wings and can fly. They also have a distinctive "snout" or nose that is 1/3 of its total body length. When the adults feel threatened, they bring their legs up to their body and "play dead". Rice weevil larvae are legless, fat, have a cream colored body, and a dark head capsule.

Where are rice weevils found?

Rice weevils are a very invasive stored product pest and have the ability to cause major damage to crops and food supplies. They often infest crops while they are still out in the field. They then infest food processing facilities when the crops are brought into them. Rice weevils usually invade Iowa & Illinois homes when infested food products are purchased from grocery stores and are brought home. Rice weevils also get into homes through gaps around windows and doors after being attracted by outdoor lighting.

What do rice weevils eat?

Rice weevils feed on, damage, and contaminate a wide variety of food sources including bird seed, sunflower seeds, corn, wheat, rice, beans, nuts, cereals, stored cotton, and fruits like grapes, apples, and pears.

DIY rice weevil prevention and control tips

To prevent a rice weevil infestation in your home’s kitchen or pantry you should always check food products that you are purchasing for holes or rips in the packaging. When you get items home from the store, it is a good idea to remove them from their original packaging and place items into plastic or glass containers that have tight-fitting lids. Routinely clean out the pantry to get rid of expired items and to clean up crumbs and spills. To help prevent the weevils from entering your building, caulk gaps around windows and doors, seal cracks in exterior walls, and change white outdoor lights to yellow or sodium vapor lights that are less attractive to insects.

Professional rice weevil control

The pest control professionals at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators have the training, skill, and equipment needed to safely eliminate rice weevils from your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest solutions.