Weeviles In Virginia

What do grain weevils look like in Virginia? 

Weevils are stored product pests that feed on whole grains and seeds. Weevils live, feed, and breed in various indoor and outdoor areas, including crop fields, food processing facilities, food storage facilities, restaurants, and Virginia homes.

Adult weevils are tiny insects with elongated heads forming a distinct "snout," which helps identify this species. In addition, they have long oval-shaped bodies that are reddish-brown to black with round pits on their thorax. Many species have wings. However, not all species are strong fliers. Weevil larvae have legless, fat, grub-like bodies. The body is a light cream color, with a dark head capsule.

Are weevils dangerous?

Weevils are not dangerous to people, the structures of our homes, or our personal belongings like furniture or clothing. But, they are dangerous and unwanted pests because they contaminate seeds and grains. They are a huge threat to the food industry, costing home and business owners lots of money each year. 

Why do I have a weevil problem?

Female weevils bore holes through the outside of whole grains and then lay their eggs inside. When the larvae hatch, they begin feeding on the provided food source. 

Weevils are in your home because they are breeding and feeding on food that you have stored inside. Weevils often feed on and damage the following:

• Seeds

• Beans

• Rice

• Corn

• Popcorn

• Oatmeal

• Whole grains

• Birdseed

Adult weevils can wind up in your home after moving indoors through spaces they find around windows or doors. Adults are often attracted to light. The most common way an infestation develops in a home is through grains or other dry goods purchased from the store with damaged packaging and already infested with weevil eggs or larvae. 

How do I get rid of weevils?

Despite best efforts, weevils are challenging pests to prevent or eliminate once in your home. Trust All Pest Control & Solutions to provide you with the services necessary to get rid of weevils and keep them from returning. We are a locally owned and operated pest control company dedicated to our customers and offering budget-friendly solutions to keep your home a place where you can feel safe. 

If you live in the Roanoke or New River Valley area and want to learn more about our residential or commercial pest control solutions, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent weevils in the future?

The following tips will help you avoid problems with weevils in your kitchen and pantry areas. 

• Remove grains and rice from their original packaging and place them in glass or plastic containers with airtight lids, making it more difficult for weevils to invade your stored foods.

• Don't purchase dry goods from the store if they have rips or tears in the packaging.

• Remove old or expired items from your pantry and cabinets.

• If possible, avoid purchasing grains out of bulk containers at the store. Weevils and other pantry pests could infest these grains.

• Install weatherstripping around windows and doors.

• Make sure screens in windows and doors are intact. 

Do the pest professionals at All Pest Control & Solutions have stink bug-prevention tips?

Preventing stink bugs from getting into your home can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to deter these household-invading pests.

• Stop stink bugs from finding their way into your home by sealing all the foundation and exterior wall entry points.

• Repair holes along the roofline.

• Install weather-stripping around windows and doors.

• Put mesh covers over vents and chimney openings leading into your home.

• Place vegetable and fruit gardens a distance away from the outside of your home.

• Stink bugs and many other insects are attracted to light. Replace white outdoor light bulbs with yellow or LED light bulbs, which they are less attracted to.

Reach out to All Pest Control & Solutions for more tips or to get your home the professional pest prevention it needs.