Rice Weevil Facts
The rice weevil isn’t dangerous to humans, but it is certainly dangerous to our food. They love to feed on every type of grain, not just rice. You’ll find these pests in warmer habitats around the United States, particularly in southern agricultural regions. Though it is native to India, it is now found all over the world because of commercial trade.
Rice Weevil Bites
Rice weevils do not bite or hurt people, nor do they spread disease. They will not cause structural damage, but they will destroy any grains you have stored in your pantry.
Rice Weevil Infestation
Adult females will lay roughly four eggs a day and live approximately four to five months. Eggs will be laid inside grain kernels where they will hatch after three days. Inside the kernel, the larvae will feed for 18 days. At this point, they are small, pudgy, and legless with a cream-colored body and a dark head. They will develop into pupae and stay in this stage for just under a week. It will remain within the seed or kernel for another three to four days to harden and attain full maturity.
Their development cycle can take only a month in hot months, but take much longer during cooler weather. The summer months provide the best conditions for these pests to reproduce, so you’ll see spikes of these weevils from July until September.
Types of Rice Weevils
Rice Weevil Identification
These weevils measure approximately two to three millimeters in length and look similar to their cousin, the granary weevil. However, they are reddish-brown to black in color with four distinct yellow or red spots on the corners of their wings. They have a snout on their head that is approximately one millimeter long. Behind the head, the rest of the body is pitted in parallel, grooved lines.
Rice Weevils in the House & the Garden
Weevils are a serious problem. They are found in and feed on all types of grain and are not picky eaters. They will eat wheat, corn, oats, barley, and even macaroni. While they are commonly found in stored products, it is not unusual to find them in the fields. In stored grain, however, you’ll probably find them huddling together in large numbers.
While the grain is their food of choice, they have also been known to infest dried plants, fruits, flowers, and other decorative arrangements you may use in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Rid of Rice Weevils in the Home?
The best way to rid your home of the rice weevil . Empty any cabinets, shelves, pantries, or other storage facilities where you have seen adults or larvae. Discard these items in plastic bags to contain the insects and prevent distributing them further.
Rice weevils are adaptable to a variety of temperatures, so freezing any infested items won’t always be effective. If you do go this route, freezing at zero degrees for two weeks will provide the best results.
Once you get rid of the foods that are affected, make sure to thoroughly clean all spaces where food is handled. Vacuum and sweep all food particles, paying attention to any crevices where eggs and larvae may be hiding.
To keep pests out in the future, store your grains and other dried foods in plastic or glass containers.
Benefits of Professional Rice Weevil Pest Control
A pest management professional has the education, equipment, and skills necessary to effectively address a rice weevil problem.
Finding and treating the rice weevils can be challenging. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the rice weevil infestation.
