Weevils | Pest ID Guide
Quick Facts About Weevils
Weevils are common beetle pests in Tennessee that can damage crops and contaminate food storage in homes and businesses. These small invaders can quickly become a serious nuisance.- Size: Small (typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch long)
- Color: Reddish-brown to black
- Shape: Slim, oval-shaped bodies with elongated heads
- Active Season: Year-round, especially in warm weather
- Lifespan: Varies by species
- Reproduction Rate: Female weevils lay eggs in food sources or plants
What Do Weevils Look Like?
Weevils are a type of beetle characterized by their distinctive elongated snouts and slim, oval-shaped bodies. Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown to black, making them sometimes difficult to spot in grain products or on plants. Some species have snouts that are the length of their bodies, and certain types are capable of flying, allowing them to infest a variety of areas more easily.Key Identifying Features
- Elongated snout: The most distinctive feature of weevils is their long snout or “rostrum” extending from the head
- Elbowed antennae: Weevils have antennae that bend at a distinct angle, usually attached to their snout
- Oval-shaped body: Their bodies are typically oval or pear-shaped
- Small size: Most weevils found in Tennessee are quite small, making early detection challenging
Related Species
Common types of weevils in Tennessee include rice weevils, pecan weevils, and boll weevils. While they share similar characteristics, they target different food sources or crops. Rice weevils primarily infest stored grains, pecan weevils damage nut trees, and boll weevils target cotton plants. Each species requires specific identification for effective treatment.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
While weevils don’t carry diseases or bite humans, they can impact food quality and cleanliness.
- Food contamination: Weevils contaminate food with waste and shed skin
- Food spoilage: Infested food products become unusable and must be discarded
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to weevil parts or waste
Property Damage
Weevils can cause significant damage to both stored food products and growing plants.
- Stored food damage: They consume and contaminate grains, rice, flour, and other pantry items
- Crop destruction: Weevils feed on and destroy various crops including wheat, cotton, and nuts
- Garden damage: They can damage ornamental plants and vegetable gardens
Where to Look for Weevils in Your Home
Weevils often invade homes by hiding in packaged foods as eggs or larvae, making early detection difficult. Check pantries, kitchen cabinets, and anywhere dry goods are stored. Look for small holes in food packaging, adult weevils crawling on surfaces, or contaminated food products.When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention becomes necessary when you notice recurring weevil activity despite your best prevention efforts. If you discover multiple weevils in your pantry, kitchen, or storage areas, this likely indicates a larger infestation. For outdoor weevil problems affecting gardens or landscaping, professional help is recommended when damage becomes widespread or traditional control methods have failed.
Schedule a Free Inspection
U.S. Pest Protection offers targeted, effective weevil control and prevention solutions. Our team is committed to rooting out your weevil problem at the source, not just offering temporary fixes. Protect what matters most and schedule your free inspection today!
