Types of Weevils in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to many amazing things, but the sight of weevils pouring out of your rice container is not one of them. Weevils are types of beetles that belong to the superfamily curculionidae, and they are known for their elongated snouts and penchant for pantry staples. Sometimes referred to as “pantry pests,” these insects enjoy munching on dried goods like:

• Flour
• Barley
• Rye
• Corn
• Oats
• Rice
• Seeds
• Grains
• And other dried foods

There are thousands of types of weevils that belong to the superfamily curculionidae, and many of these nuisance insects call Tennessee home. At U.S. Pest Protection, our certified pest control technicians are here to help you identify the types of weevils that might be invading your dried goods.

Bean Weevils

Bean weevils are olive-brown, feature grayish-brown spots, and measure one-sixth of an inch. These insects also feature yellowish-orange hairs on their thorax. Bean weevils are internal feeders and primarily infest whole beans and legumes by boring holes inside each bean. These weevils do not infest other types of stored foods.

Cowpea Weevils

Also measuring one-sixth of an inch, cowpea weevils are common in the south. These weevils appear in a brownish hue and sometimes can feature greenish-brown markings. Cowpea weevils have a penchant for black-eyed peas, but they can also feed on stored foods like chickpeas and lentils. Much like bean weevils, cowpea weevils do not infest other types of stored foods.

Rice and Granary Weevils

Rice and granary weevils measure one-eighth of an inch and are internal feeders that develop within whole-grain kernels. Rice weevils appear dark brown and normally feature four light-colored patches on their wing covers. Granary weevils appear dark brown all over. These types of weevils primarily feed on wheat, corn, barley, and rice, but they have also been known to munch on old pasta, seeds, nuts, and decorative ears of corn.

Cigarette Beetles

Also measuring one-eighth of an inch, the cigarette beetle gets its name from its longstanding history of munching on tobacco. These beetles appear light brown and feature a “humped” head that is difficult to view from above. Aside from their attraction to tobacco, they also have been known to eat grains and animal products.

Drugstore Beetles

Drugstore beetles measure one-eighth of an inch and can primarily be found in pantries. These beetles, which have a similar appearance to cigarette beetles, likely got their name from early pharmacists using herbs as medicine. Drugstore beetles are attracted to things like herbs, spices, flour, and cereal.

Contact U.S. Pest Protection Today for Weevil Control

No matter what type of weevil has invaded your dried goods, U.S. Pest Protection is here to help. With years of experience treating and preventing these pantry pests in Tennessee, we can ensure you don’t experience contaminated food or products within your home. If you think weevils have infested your food storage area, contact us today for your free estimate and to schedule an inspection.