Rice Weevils
Active Seasons
Appearance and Size Facts
- Dark brown and commonly have four light colored patches on their wings
- Head is prolonged with a distinct thin snout extending downward from the head
- Size: Approximately 1/8-inch long
- When disturbed, they play dead by drawing their legs close to their body.
- They breed quickly and can build up huge populations in stored grain
Behavior and Habitat of Rice Weevils
Rice weevils are internal feeders. The female uses her strong mandibles to chew a small hole in a grain kernel, where she deposits a single egg in the hole and seals it with a gelatinous fluid. Rice weevils are active fliers and often fly to grain storage bins and buildings from nearby fields. When disturbed, Rice weevils play dead by drawing their legs close to their body. They then lie still for several minutes before resuming movement. Rice weevils are similar to Granary weevils and they are both often referred to as the Snout weevils. They penetrate and feed on the internal portions of whole grains during the larval stage. Rice weevils are usually found in grain storage facilities, food processing plants, and whole foods markets. They will also infest old pasta, table beans, acorns, chestnuts, birdseed, sunflower seeds, and ornamental corn.
Signs of Infestation of Rice Weevils
The Rice and Granary weevils are the most economically significant pests of stored grain. Rice weevils breed quickly and can build up huge populations in stored grain. Damage to grain products will be severe, as the larvae develop inside the grain kernels. Wheat, corn, macaroni, oats, barley, sorghum, kaffir seed, and buckwheat are just some of the grains and products these weevils destroy.
Tips for Prevention of Rice Weevils
Thorough sweeping and / or vacuuming
Rice Weevil Gallery
Latest Pest & Termite Control News
Common Pest Activity in South Florida in the Fall
Sep 19, 2022—Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
As inviting as South Florida is, with its sunny, tropical environment, luscious landscapes, and miles of beaches to enjoy, there are downsides to paradise, such as the humidity and pest activity that continues to pester homeowners into the fall and winter. In many parts of the country, common...
Read More ›
Tiny Ants Invaded Your House? Here\'s What You Can Do!
Sep 08, 2022—Ants
Tiny black ants are known to invade kitchens and bathrooms, especially in South Florida. In this post, we review how these tiny ants enter the home and what steps you can take to prevent them and stop their invasion in its tracks. Got tiny ants in your house? The few you see walking across your...
Read More ›
7 Ways to Prevent Ants From Taking Over Your Kitchen This Summer
Jul 28, 2022—Ants, Pest Control
Ants are a common problem for homeowners in South Florida and once they establish themselves in your home, they can be hard to evict. Most ants that you see foraging in your kitchen or bathroom are usually nuisance ants such as ghost ants, commonly referred to as sugar ants, that are looking for...
Read More ›
