At Radar Pest Control, we help our great customers learn the secrets to tackling pests of all sorts along the Sunshine Coast. We encourage regular pest inspections and treatments, good sanitation, and sealing the exterior of your homes to prevent entry. But what about those pests that do not usually enter homes through traditional routes? Pantry pests typically enter homes inside packaged or bulk goods and can be a huge nuisance for homeowners, so today we have some tips to help you tackle weevils.
What are weevils?
Weevils are a type of beetle. They are small, ranging from 3-10 mm, and have an oval shaped body. One of the most recognizable features about a weevil is the elongated head that ends in a long snout where the mouth is.
Where do weevils live?
There are over 60,000 different species of weevils, but the ones that are most annoying for homeowners are most often found in packaged or bulk rice, oats, and other grains. Weevils also eat foods like flour, barley, corn meal, pasta, and more. Weevils can also enter homes from outside, though this is more rare. They can be found in areas with lots of fruit trees or gardens.
How do you get rid of weevils?
You probably won’t even know that you have a weevil problem until you enter your pantry one day and find bugs crawling all over your food. Since their eggs are nearly invisible to the human eye, they can easily be brought into the home and go unnoticed until they have hatched and taken up residence. Take these steps to tackle the weevil infestation.
Step 1: Perform a Pantry Purge
Go through your pantry and remove all of the dry food packages that aren’t sealed. These have likely been infested, and may contain weevil eggs that can re-infest your home if not disposed of. Then move to the sealed packages. If they are made of cardboard and contain a sealed plastic bag, dispose of the cardboard and write the product information on the plastic bag. Weevils can chew through cardboard, so these packages may also be infested.
Step 2: Freeze Remaining Products
Once you have gotten rid of the cardboard and just the sealed plastic remains, place these bags in the freezer for at least 4 days. The temperature in the freezer will kill any larvae that may have survived your purge.
Step 3: Clean
After all of your dry goods are taken care of, remove everything from the cupboards. Thoroughly clean the entire area. Start by using a vacuum hose to go over the entire area. Once you are done vacuuming, dispose of the bag in the outside bins and wipe down the vacuum. Next, use soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the shelves and walls.
Step 4: Use an Insecticide
Once everything is clean, spray the shelves with a household insecticide to kill any remaining weevils or eggs. Make sure the product is labeled for weevils and follow all directions. After spraying, you may need to wipe down everything again before returning the food items.
Pantry Pest Prevention
While weevils are not dangerous, they can contaminate food and take a great deal of time and energy to get rid of. Prevention is key.
- Examine dry good packaging at the store to ensure there are no holes or tears
- Place dry goods in the freezer for 4 days before putting them into your pantry
- Store dried goods in sealed plastic or glass containers
- Have the exterior of your home treated with an insecticide to keep weevils out
If you need help with pantry pests or any other Sunshine Coast pest control, Radar Pest Control is here to help. For pest control in Nambour, pest control in Buderim, or anywhere in between, call Radar Pest Control today.