Rice Weevil

Category:

Actual Size: ⅛”

Characteristics: Long snout. Reddish brown or black in color with light spots on wings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes

Habitat: Known for infesting rice, beans, pasta, and other dry goods.

Habits:

  • Can deposit 300-400 eggs into a single seed or grain kernel.
  • Are strong fliers that are attracted to bright light.
  • Will play dead when scared by drawing legs close to the body.


Rice Weevils in North Jersey

Rice weevils are a common pest across the globe, and New Jersey is no exception! These tiny pests are notorious for ruining dried food products by feeding, breeding, and living inside of grains. Rice weevils have a distinctive long snout and are most attracted to whole grains such as flour, beans, seeds, cereals, nuts, and macaroni noodles. Adults have wings and are strong fliers, but they often go toward bright light sources. Larvae need a small and enclosed environment to fully develop, such as a seed kernel or pasta.

Rice Weevil Habitat

Rice weevils are a problem for both commercial and residential properties. They go anywhere they can find easy access to dried food, including rice, birdseed, dried corn, and macaroni. Should they invade a grain storage facility or food processing plant, they could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars’ worth in damages. Adults typically live between 7 and 8 months. Before dying, females will deposit a considerable number of eggs into a single kernel or seed. The larvae and pupa will remain in the seed until fully developed, and they are usually not visible to the naked eye. If you notice holes in the sides of your grain, that could be a sign of emerging adults.

Rice Weevil Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Though rice weevils are not dangerous to human health, they can cause a lot of problems by destroying our food sources. These pests are tiny and can sneak through even the smallest gaps in packaging, making it easy for them to remain hidden until the population grows large enough for people to notice. Rice weevils are also much smaller than other types of pantry pests, which can make it challenging to identify an infestation before it has the chance to contaminate large amounts of food.

If you notice the signs of rice weevils in your home or business, locate and discard all infested material. Contact your local pantry pest control experts for help with rice weevils!