FROM THE DESK OF DOC PICKHARDT

Sometimes found in the home, it is good to be aware of rice weevils that infest dried beans, acorns, chestnuts, birdseed, sunflower seeds, and macaroni that may be stored in your cupboard. Rice weevils penetrate and feed on the internal portions of whole grains during the larval stage, making early detection of an infestation very difficult to ascertain.

They are usually found in larger grain storage facilities or processing plants, infesting wheat, oats, rye, barley, rice and corn.

The adult rice weevil is small, 1/10 inch long and stout in appearance. It is reddish-brown to black in color with four light yellow or reddish spots on the corners of the top wings. Like all weevils, there is an elongated snout at the beetle’s front end and the area behind the head (called a prothorax) is strongly pitted. The larva is fat with a cream colored body that stays inside the hollowed grain kernel. This wholegrain pest, which originated in India, was spread worldwide by commerce and is one of the most serious stored grain pests on the globe. The adult rice weevil can fly and is attracted to lights. When disturbed, adults pull in their legs, fall to the ground, and feign death. If you see any weevils in your pantry, give us a call and we will eliminate them for you. As always be sure to check any grains you purchase from your local grocery store before they end up in your pantry.

Source:
Pest Gazette