Do rice weevils spread?

Store all dried food goods, including dried pet foods and birdseed, in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. If weevils are in that food product then the infestation will be contained and not spread to other foods.

Can rice weevils infest your house?

Homeowners can bring them home inside of food packages. Rice weevils, bean weevils and other stored food weevils feed inside food packages. They can remain hidden in the pantry for a long time. Homeowners might spot adult weevils wandering on the shelves or floor of the pantry.

Will weevils spread?

Once in your home, weevils can spread to whatever cereal grains are available to them. Storage areas with a lot of spilled foods are more susceptible to weevil infestations, as well as those in which many partially used containers are stored.

Should I throw out rice with weevils?

If you do find weevils in your rice, discard the product immediately. Examine other grains in your pantry, as well as seeds, nuts, dried beans, cereals and dried corn. If they have traces of bugs, your best choice is to throw them out as well.

How fast do weevils spread?

The damaging effects of weevils are largely due to their ability to reproduce quickly and then spread throughout the crops in a matter of days. Female weevils deposit eggs in the beds of the plants and can lay as many as 200 eggs during their lifespan.

How to Get Rid of Rice Weevils (4 Easy Steps)

How long can rice weevils live?

Adult rice weevils live for four to five months and each female lays 300 to 400 eggs during this period. The female uses her strong mandibles to chew a hole in the grain kernel where she deposits a single egg and seals the hole with a gelatinous fluid.

Why am I seeing weevils in my house?

Adult weevils look for shelter in unfavorable weather conditions, especially when it is hot and dry. Weevils enter buildings by crawling through cracks or openings around foundations, doors and windows. They do not harm people or pets, or damage buildings or property, or infest food products.

How do weevils get into sealed containers?

Can Weevils Get Into Sealed Packages? Yes, pests like weevils can quickly work their way into sealed packages. It's common for bugs to chew their way into cardboard boxes or plastic bags. If your packages have unlined sections, then it's also easy for pests to jump inside.

How do you keep rice weevils away?

Store grains in tightly sealed glass, metal, or sturdy plastic containers (not bags). Regularly clean pantry cracks, crevices, and shelves. Small bags of black pepper placed around the pantry may repel weevils.

How do you get rid of a weevil infestation?

Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils. Clean any unaffected items such as cans or containers before returning them to the pantry.

Can weevils live in carpet?

Vacuum regularly – Carpet beetle larvae like to feed on debris in the carpet, including dead skin, dead insects and hair (both human and pet).

Why are weevils in my bedroom?

If you have weevils in your bed, it is always because of bringing food into your room and bed. Any grain or seed-based food will attract weevils. Dropping bits of food in your bed will make weevils come and live in the nooks and crannies of your bed.

How do I keep rice bug free?

How do I get rid of weevils in my kitchen cupboards?

Thoroughly clean the cupboard with soapy water – you can use bleach, but be sure to take care – and make an effort to get right into the corners of the cupboard.

What do weevils hate?

Use herbs to help deter weevils.

Herbs that may work as weevil deterrents include bay leaf, clove, rosemary, black pepper corns, and garlic cloves. A few bay leaves can be placed inside each grain, flour, and cereal container. Use the other herbs on the pantry shelves, otherwise they may flavor your grains.

Do bay leaves keep weevils away?

Since Bay Leaves give a strong tangy smell, it somehow is able to repel small pests and other tiny organisms such as Weevils. This is a common natural repellant that is used when dealing with pests such as Weevils. All you have to do is put Bay Leaves on the grain and flour containers in order to keep the bugs away.

How did weevils get in my rice?

Weevils usually infest grains and starches like rice, flour, pasta, and cereals. Weevil infestations that start outside may be the result of fruit trees or gardens, which are also food sources. The insects often gather on the sides of homes and move into cracks and gaps that lead inside.

What containers keep weevils out?

Pantry pests are capable of squeezing through tiny spaces so if you want to keep them away from your food, better invest in a good airtight plastic, metal, or glass storage containers. You can buy and use mason jars for storing foods like grains.

Do weevils jump?

Weevils often live inside cardboard boxes and can easily jump to new dry food products if not properly removed from your pantry.

Which is the damaging stage of rice weevil?

Eggs hatch in a few days under favorable temperature and moisture conditions (28 °C and 70% relative humidity). After 35 to 40 days, the adult rice weevil chews his way out of the rice kernel, leaving behind the characteristic small, round hole, known as weevil damage.

How do weevils multiply?

Reproduction. Each female rice weevil is capable of laying four eggs a day and can produce up to 300 eggs in her lifetime. Females perforate kernels or seeds in order to lay single eggs inside. After doing so, the affected grain is sealed with gelatinous secretions.

How often do weevils lay eggs?

Life Cycle

The adult female rice weevil lays an average of 4 eggs per day and may live for four to five months (producing 250-400 eggs). A single generation can be completed in around 28 days. The eggs hatch in about 3 days.

How do you store rice for a long time at home?

The easiest way to prevent the rice from spoiling is by keeping it in an airtight container. Opt for a glass container or a good quality plastic one. This will prevent any kind of moisture and will keep the rice as good as new.

What is the best way to store rice long term?

Packaging. Store rice in a tightly sealed container. Food safe plastics (PETE) containers, glass jars, #10 cans (commercial size) lined with a food-grade enamel lining and Mylar®-type bags work best for long-term storage.

How do bugs get into sealed packages?

Most dried food products can be infested by insects

Pantry pests are most likely to infest products that have been opened but they also can get into unopened paper, thin cardboard, and plastic, foil or cellophane-wrapped packages. They may chew their way into packages or crawl in through folds and seams.