Both rice and granary weevils have divided bodies made up of a head, thorax, and abdomen. Each species ranges from one-eighth inch (3. 2 mm) to three-sixteenth inches (4. 8 mm) long. Rice weevils are a dull red-brown and can fly. They’re usually found in slightly warmer climates. They also have four lighter spots on their bodies. Granary weevils are a shiny red-brown, they cannot fly, and they’re usually found in slightly cooler climates. [1] X Research source
Flours Cereal Rice Quinoa Pasta Oats Barley Corn Wheatberries
When buying these items, use your hands to move the contents of the bag around to inspect for weevils.
Damaged weather stripping around doors and windows Missing areas of caulk around doors and windows Torn screens in doors, vents, and windows Cracks and openings in your pantry (which can be sealed with caulk)
Heating: This works best for whole grains (rice, for instance), but shouldn’t be used for ground grains or powders. Heat your oven to 140 F (60 C). Lay your grains out on a baking sheet. Bake the grains in the oven for 15 minutes. Allow to cool before storing. Freezing: This is suitable for powdered and ground grains, but also works for whole grains. Simply place the newly purchased bag or container of grains in the freezer and leave it undisturbed for three days. Allow to thaw before storing.
This is another time when buying in bulk can be beneficial, because you can control the exact amount that you purchase. Throw out unused, expired stored products. [7] X Expert Source Scott McCombePest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
Once every month or two, remove all the food from the pantry or cupboards and vacuum the shelves. Clean underneath the stove and refrigerator as well. [8] X Expert Source Scott McCombePest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019. Clean up spills and messes as soon as they occur. [9] X Research source You can also be proactive by making a habit of regularly looking through your storage bins, pantry, and containers to look for signs of infestation. [10] X Expert Source Scott McCombePest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.
Herbs that may work as weevil deterrents include bay leaf, clove, rosemary, black pepper corns, and garlic cloves. [11] X Research source 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.
Set up all the food in one location, such as in your kitchen.
Ideal candidates for rinsing include whole-grain rice, barley, and buckwheat. Place the grains into a strainer and hold it under running water. Use your hand or a spoon to comb through the grains, making sure the water rinses them all. When the weevils have been rinsed away, place the grains on a baking sheet and into a 140 F (60 C) oven for 15 minutes to kill any eggs and dry the grains.
Remove the bag with the contaminated foods from your house immediately so the weevils don’t eat their way out and infest again. If you don’t feel comfortable salvaging infested foods like rice, simply discard them as well.
For dishwasher-safe containers, run the dirty containers through the dishwasher instead. [14] X Research source
Vacuum the floor in your pantry as well, or the counter under the cupboards.
Pull out your stove and fridge and vacuum thoroughly underneath before replacing them. You should also move and vacuum under your microwave, toaster, toaster oven, and any other countertop appliances you have.
Discard the old shelf paper immediately. Vacuum and clean the bare shelves before installing new paper. Once everything has been cleaned thoroughly and the new paper installed, you can start returning non-contaminated food to your pantry or cupboard.
