Description

Weevils exist in a variety of colours and body shapes, with many being slender or oval-shaped. Their length ranges from approximately 3 mm to over 10 mm. Weevils are usually a dark brown or black colour with some having scales or shiny hairs covering parts of their body. The most distinctive feature of weevils common to all species is their elongated head which forms a snout.

Habits

Like their appearance, the habits of weevils also varies by species. Some lay their eggs in the spring near the host plant, the larvae will then hide underground and feed on the plant’s roots. Some larvae will stay underground during winter and surface as fully grown adults in the spring.

Weevils feed on plants both in the larval and adult stages. They can be extremely detrimental to the livelihood of crops. Some weevils also attack stored grains and seeds, the most common of which is known as the rice weevil.

Defense

Weevils can be difficult for a homeowner to recognize when they are on the outside of the home. However, once this pest finds an entry point to the house, homeowners will often find hundreds of them crawling on walls and other surfaces.Most likely, homeowners seeing weevils are dealing with the stored product species.

• The most important control methods are to find the infested material and eliminate it.
• Careful inspection of items before purchasing can help prevent getting a new infestation. Products with holes or signs of damage on the packaging should not be purchased.

A pest control professional should be contacted for assistance.