How To Get Rid Of Weevils In South Africa
What is Weevils?
Weevils, also referred to as nunus, are beetles belonging to the superfamily Curculionoidea, known for their elongated snouts. They are usually small, less than 6 mm in length, and herbivorous.
How To Get Rid Of Weevils In South Africa
There’s no need to panic if you spot weevils inside your pantry as they’re generally harmless, but you’ll want to get rid of them quickly. Wang states that while weevils typically just damage food, some people may experience an allergic reaction when exposed to a large number of beetles.
It’s best to try to prevent weevils in the first place, but even with precautions, it may not be entirely possible to prevent them altogether. While getting rid of weevils isn’t hard, it can be time-consuming and tedious. Here’s what you need to do:
- “Throw away any infested food,” advises Wang. If you suspect any opened or unopened packages that might have or had weevils, it’s best to get rid of them. Be sure to check nearby containers as well even if they haven’t been opened. Weevils can chew through cardboard and plastic, which means they can also get into unopened packages of food.
- Get rid of excess food packaging such as cardboard boxes if the food is in an airtight bag that hasn’t been contaminated. Weevils can hide in packaging and re-emerge later.
- “If trying to salvage food, put items in the freezer for a few days or spread the food under the hot summer sun, if suitable, and then store them in a sealed container,” recommends Wang. If you’re unsure whether it can be salvaged, it’s best to dispose of the item.
- After getting rid of the affected foods, you’ll want to deep clean your pantry. Take everything out of the pantry and thoroughly vacuum the shelves, including the cracks and crevices where weevils may hide. You’ll want to dispose of the vacuum bag or dump the vacuum contents outside and clean and disinfect it before bringing it back in.
- Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils.
- Clean any unaffected items such as cans or containers before returning them to the pantry.
How to prevent weevils from coming inside
- Inspect dry goods before purchasing for open or torn packaging.
- Freeze grains or dry goods for a minimum of four days to kill any larvae or eggs.
- Store food in tightly sealed containers. “These containers can be glass or metal with tight lids that are bug-proof,” says Wang.
- Buy dry goods in smaller quantities if possible, to prevent storing them for too long. Wang also suggests getting rid of old food.
- Regularly clean the pantry, clean up spills immediately and inspect pantry and dry goods for any signs of weevils.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What Causes Weevils in Food Storage Areas? Weevils generally gain entry into your home through purchased containers of whole-grain cereal products that have been infested at food processing and packaging centers. Once in your home, weevils can spread to whatever cereal grains are available to them.
Does vinegar keep weevils away?
White vinegar is also known to kill pesky pantry weevils. After rinsing your shelves with soapy water, wipe them down with white vinegar to prevent a future infestation from occurring. Removing weevils from your pantry is an extensive process.
How long does it take to kill weevils?
Control requires locating and eliminating the infested whole grain. Small quantities of grain can be “saved” by controlling the weevils with heat or cold. Heating grain to 140 degrees F for 15 minutes or freezing at 0 degrees F for 3 days will kill all stages of weevils in the grain.
How do I get rid of weevils in my kitchen?
Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils. Clean any unaffected items such as cans or containers before returning them to the pantry.
Why am I getting weevils in my house?
Weevils usually infest grains and starches like rice, flour, pasta, and cereals. Weevil infestations that start outside may be the result of fruit trees or gardens, which are also food sources. The insects often gather on the sides of homes and move into cracks and gaps that lead inside.
Are weevils harmful?
The truth is, weevils are NOT harmful to humans. Accidentally eating them along with your food does not cause any ill effects. What could happen is that they can simply add a different crunch to your food when eaten, something unpalatable even? Food would also not look appealing at all with some weevils as garnishing.
How do weevils get into airtight containers?
Yes, pests like weevils can quickly work their way into sealed packages. It’s common for bugs to chew their way into cardboard boxes or plastic bags. If your packages have unlined sections, then it’s also easy for pests to jump inside.
Why are weevils in my bedroom?
If you have weevils in your bed, it is always because of bringing food into your room and bed. Any grain or seed-based food will attract weevils. Dropping bits of food in your bed will make weevils come and live in the nooks and crannies of your bed.
What do you spray on weevils?
To kill weevils for real, treat them with Ortho® Insect, Mite & Disease 3-in-1 or Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes. Be sure to always follow the label directions. Grain weevils are harmless to people, so they’re more of a nuisance than a threat.
How do you get rid of weevils without chemicals?
Clean it up thoroughly, and make sure you keep your food in airtight containers. This will help keep out other pests like ants, cockroaches, and rats, too. Use bay leaves as a weevil deterrent. Bay leaves are a natural deterrent for weevils.
How long does a weevil live?
On average, adult weevils have a lifespan of two to three months, during which they mate and lay eggs multiple times. There are also a few species of weevils that are parthenogenetic, which means they can produce eggs without mating. The adult lifespan is dependent on species and environmental conditions.