No one wants to find insects in the pantry or cupboards. Unfortunately, weevils are commonly found in these parts of the house thanks to their preference for grain-based sustenance. In addition to contacting an exterminator for assistance, here are a few facts to keep in mind about weevils.  

What Are Weevils?

Weevils are a grouping of very small, long-snouted insects, the most common of which feed on whole grains, rice, and cereals. They also use grains during their breeding process. Of the three most common indoor varieties, rice weevils are the only type that can fly, but wheat and maize weevils are just as destructive to packaged foods. Because both the mature insect and the larva are so small—adults are 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch in length—they are easily overlooked, making it more difficult to identify an issue until it's widespread.

What Kind of Damage Do They Cause?

Weevils will not damage your home, but they will deplete your cupboards by eating food products containing rice, grains, or cereals. With a particularly bad infestation, you might find that most of the pantry has been affected. Many people find the mere presence of weevils in or around their food unappetizing enough to discard it, but if someone in your household should ingest them, this is entirely harmless.

How Do You Deal With Weevils?

Weevil infestations can be difficult to prevent, as products are usually infested at the plant or warehouse where they are processed. After shopping, check bags or boxes containing unprocessed or whole rice, grains, or cereals, as well as nuts, corn, seeds, or beans. Signs of weevils include dusty residue on the food or small, dark specks that could be the insects. You can also freeze grain products for four days to kill pests before moving them to your pantry.

If you notice an infestation in your cupboard, contact an exterminator right away. While it's possible to eliminate an infestation by throwing products away and cleaning thoroughly, weevils are so small that it's easy to miss them when taking steps on your own. A pest control specialist will know just where to look and have the tools and expertise to remove them entirely. 

If you experience weevil trouble, contact Havasu Pest Control Inc in Lake Havasu City, AZ. These exterminators deal with all types of insects, from weevils and cockroaches to bedbugs and scorpions. Established in 1973 and a member of the Arizona Pest Professional Organization and National Pest Management Association, they're proud to be the oldest pest control business in the area. They have the expertise to get the job done right. Visit them online to learn more about their residential pest control services, or call (928) 855-1054 to schedule an appointment today.