Weevils

Why do I have weevils?

Weevils prefer warm, moist environments. Some species live among plants and lay their eggs in rolled-up leaves, while others feed and breed within stored food products like cereal grains. Weevils usually invade homes seeking food or shelter.

Some of the most common Canadian weevils include the sweet potato weevil, rose weevil, alfalfa weevil, rice weevil, granary weevil, strawberry and black vine root weevils.

Female weevils lay their eggs in their food source of choice, so that the emerging larvae can feed voraciously when they hatch.

Weevils Diet and Lifecycle

Diet

As herbivorous creatures, weevils feed on various parts of plants, from leaves and stems to roots and fruits. Stored grains and flour can also be significant food sources for certain species. Different species of weevils have specialised diets and attack particular plants or food products.

Life Cycle

Female weevils can lay over 150 eggs in their lifetimes. Once the eggs hatch, weevil larvae feed voraciously on whatever plant-based food source is nearby. After some time, weevils morph into sexually mature adults with hard outer shells. Larvae are generally lighter in colour and appear as small, fleshy, maggot-like creatures. While the average weevil measures less than 6 mm in length, some species can grow quite large.

How worried should I be about weevils?

Weevils damage stored foods, by boring into them to lay eggs. This increases the heat and humidity inside the packages they infest, which facilitates the growth of mold and fungus.

As weevil infestations take place almost entirely inside packages of stored foods, they can be hard to detect and even harder to eradicate. To truly end your weevil infestation, you will need to the help of a professional pest control service.

How can I prevent weevils invading?

Check for weevil grubs in stored food, Monitor grains for mould and humidity, Choose insect-resistant foliage and trees, Store food in tightly sealed containers