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
Common Weevils in Tennessee
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.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Weevil infestations can pose several concerns for Tennessee homeowners:
- Food contamination from eggs, larvae, and adult weevils
- Potential allergic reactions to weevil parts or droppings
- Spoilage of expensive food products
Property Damage
While weevils primarily affect stored food products, they can cause:
- Extensive damage to pantry goods requiring disposal
- Contamination spreading from one food source to another
- Potential for recurring infestations if not properly addressed
Where to Look for Acrobat Ants in Your Home
Weevils typically hide in pantry items, especially unopened packages of grains and dried goods. Check for small holes in packaging, fine dust around containers, or adult weevils crawling in cabinets. An infestation often starts with just a few insects that can quickly multiply if left untreated.
When to Call Professional Help
While some small weevil problems can be managed by discarding affected products, professional help becomes necessary when infestations persist despite your best cleaning efforts. If you continue finding weevils after thoroughly cleaning your pantry and replacing contaminated foods, it’s time to contact experts who can identify hidden sources and prevent reinfestation.
