Weevils

Weevils are instantly recognisable by their elongated snouts and the grain weevil is widely accepted as the most common pest of stored grain. The female weevil bores a small hole into a grain kernel and deposits a single egg into the hole. She seals this hole with a gelatinous material and then repeats the process on kernel after kernel until she deposits 300-400 eggs. Open, round exit holes in the grain are a sign of weevil infestation. When disturbed, a weevil "plays dead" by drawing their legs close to the body. They then lie still for several minutes before resuming movement. Control is best achieved by fumigation or the use of silica dust.

Best Methods for Controlling your Pest

The following information applies to all beetle, moth and weevil stored food pests.

DIY or The Professionals?

Domestic and small shop/store premises can usually be treated DIY
Large industrial units and some large loose grain stores need professional input, especially if the infestation is so bad as to require fumigation.

In domestic or small commercial situations:

Do not use insecticides in pantries, kitchens, dining rooms or food stores. Insecticide contaminaton of food may have toxic effects and is a potential health hazard.
Follow the advice given in 'How to proof against' section to ensure hygiene is good and contaminated food is destroyed.
If potential harbourages still exist within the premises, treat these areas with a suitable non-insecticide dust or spray.
In areas away from food, suitable insecticides may be sprayed into cracks and crevices where the larvae or adult beetles may have secreted themselves.
There are a number of effective trapping techniques available which include pit fall traps, bait stations, insect probe traps and adhesive traps.

In large commercial grain or food product stores:

Follow the advice given above regarding hygiene
If in any doubt about your ability and time available to control an infestation, call on the services of a pest control company qualified in fumigation techniques.

Use pesticides safely and always read and understand the label.