How to Get Rid of Weevils Naturally: Quick and Effective Solutions

Weevils are small beetles with noticeable snouts that can become a nuisance in your home and garden. These insects have a penchant for invading pantries and munching on plants, causing unforeseen damage to your prized flowers, trees, and shrubs. Fear not, there are natural ways to deal with these pesky critters without resorting to harsh chemicals.

For instance, you can try laying out a large, light-colored sheet or box beneath affected plants and gently flicking the leaves. This will cause the weevils, who primarily feed at night, to fall onto the sheet, making it easy for you to remove and dispose of them. Another environmentally friendly method involves releasing beneficial nematodes into your garden, which will target and kill the weevil larvae before they mature into adults.

Keep in mind that controlling weevils isn’t just about removing them from sight; it’s also essential to prevent future infestations. This entails regularly inspecting your pantry, sealing all food items in airtight containers, and maintaining clean and well-ventilated storage areas. By implementing these natural strategies, you can protect your household and garden from the damage weevils can cause.

Identifying Weevils

Types of Weevils

Weevils are small beetles with a noticeable snout. They are often lightbulb- or pear-shaped. Common types of weevils include:

• Rice weevil
• Granary weevil
• Maize weevil

Life Cycle

Weevils go through four stages in their life cycle:

1. Egg: Laid on or inside the food source
2. Larva: Legless and grub-like; feed on plants
3. Pupa: Develop inside an exoskeleton
4. Adult: Exit food source to find a mate

The full life cycle can take as little as 3-4 weeks or as long as several months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Damage

Weevils can cause damage in both larval and adult stages:

• Larvae feed on plants, causing damage to roots
• Adults create notches and holes on leaves
• Some species can infest stored grains, resulting in potential food loss

Examples of plant damage:

• Alfalfa weevils can skeletonize leaves
• White pine weevils feed on tree’s terminal leader

Identification of weevils and understanding their life cycle and damage can help in implementing natural control methods effectively.

Preventing Weevil Infestation

Inspect Food and Storage

Before storing food, it’s essential to inspect it for any signs of weevil infestation, such as eggs, larvae, or adult weevils. Look closely at:

• Rice
• Flour
• Cereals
• Seeds
• Beans
• Nuts
• Pasta

Also, check for holes in packaging, which may indicate the presence of weevils.

Proper Food Storage

To prevent weevil infestation, store food in:

• Airtight containers: Glass or metal containers are preferable to plastic or cardboard, as weevils can chew through these materials.
• Dry conditions: Weevils thrive in warm and moist environments, so store food in a cool and dry place.

Add natural repellents such as bay leaves or cloves to your food storage to further deter weevils.

Maintain Clean Environment

Keeping a clean environment in your pantry and kitchen reduces the chances of weevil infestation:

1. Regular cleaning: Wipe down pantry shelves and cabinets with white vinegar or a disinfectant to remove any traces of weevils.
2. Seal cracks and gaps: Ensure there are no openings in your pantry and kitchen that allow weevils to enter or hide.
3. Pest control: Employ pheromone traps to monitor and capture weevils; avoid using chemical pesticides in your food storage area, as they can be harmful to humans.
4. Discard infested food: If you discover weevils in your food, promptly discard it to prevent further infestation.

Natural Methods to Eliminate Weevils

Freezing Infested Food

One effective way to get rid of weevils naturally is by freezing infested food. Freezing kills weevil eggs, larvae, and adult insects. To do this, simply place the affected food products in airtight containers and store them in the freezer for at least four days.

• Pros:
  • Chemical-free method
  • Preserves food quality
• Cons:
  • Requires ample freezer space
  • Not suitable for all types of foods

Using Heat Treatment

Another natural method to eliminate weevils is by using heat treatment. Exposure to sunlight or heating infested food in the oven at 140°F (60°C) for two hours can kill weevil larvae and adult insects. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature to avoid damaging the food.

Utilizing Natural Repellents

You can also utilize natural repellents to deter weevils from invading your pantry. Simple home remedies include:

• White vinegar: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar to clean and disinfect pantry surfaces. This can also help remove weevil odor and droppings.
• Cotton balls soaked in essential oils: Place cotton balls soaked in essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus around your pantry to repel weevils.
• Black peppercorns: Place black peppercorns in small cloth bags and distribute them among your food storage shelves to deter weevil infestations.

Remember to keep your pantry clean, well-ventilated, and make sure to store food in airtight containers to prevent weevil infestations. By using these natural methods, you can protect your pantry from weevils without resorting to chemical pest control.

Addressing Weevils in Gardens and Crops

Preventative Measures

Preventing weevil infestations is crucial for healthy gardens and crops. Here are some key preventative measures:

• Rotate crops regularly. Avoid planting sweet potatoes in the same field two years in a row¹.
• Keep storage roots covered with soil¹. This helps reduce damage by preventing female weevils from laying eggs directly in roots.

Natural Pesticides and Remedies

Using natural pesticides and remedies can help manage weevil infestations without causing harm to the environment. Some options include:

• Pheromone traps: These traps attract and capture weevils using their natural scent to lure them in².
• Neem oil: A natural pesticide that can be used to deter weevils from plants³.
• Diatomaceous earth: This natural, abrasive substance can be sprinkled around plants to help deter weevils⁴.

Examples and Comparisons

For example, the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius), and maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) are common pests affecting grains⁵.

Weevil management methods can vary depending on the type of crop. Here’s a comparison of weevil management in cotton crops versus gardens:

• Cotton crops: Cotton farmers can use selective pesticides and utilize biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps, for weevil management⁶.
• Gardens: Gardeners can use natural remedies like neem oil and diatomaceous earth to manage weevil populations³⁴.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – Weevil from Panama is Cuban Weevil

Here are some pictures of another critter from San Juan, Colon, Panama. He was found at night attracted to a porch light. What is he? He has orange “hair” around his “nose” and the underside of his “head”.
Thanks,
Lisa

Hi Lisa,
Sorry, we forgot about your letter. Yes, this is a Weevil, but we do not know the species. Sadly, there is not a comprehensive guide to Panamanian, or even Central American insects. Perhaps you should compile one.

Update (06/10/2006)
An answer to Panama Weevil of May 2
We were recently on a trip to Costa Rica and took pictures of that same bug, it was very large – something like 4 inches long. I was able to identify the weevil through Bug Nation as a Rhina oblita – Cuban Weevil. Apparently there was a Cuban stamp with this critter. You can cut and paste the following link in your browser for a look-see: www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ch2m-nitu/jpg/cuba31.jpg
Thanks.
Diane from St. Petersburg, Florida

Letter 2 – Weevil from Brazil

Unidentified weevil in Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 1:10 PM
I came across this amazing weevil while exploring the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil on 7th November. It was probably 1.5 to 2 inches long and had the most amazing markings which reminded me of African tribal art. I would love to know what it is and would be grateful if you are able to identify for me – thank you.
Karen
South-east Brazil, Atlantic Rainforest

Hi Karen,
This is at least the third Weevil image we have received in the past several years, and we have never had much success with identifying the species.  Some countries have excellent websites for the identification of their native insects, but sadly, Brazil is not one of them.

Letter 3 – Weevil from Costa Rica: Brentus anchorago

I have no idea what this could be
Location: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
July 1, 2011 10:43 pm
This photo was taken at Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica, located on the Osa Peninsula by the resident biologist (I believe his name is Philip). He isn’t sure what it is either, so I thought this would be a good place to try to help him find out what it is. My best guess is that it’s a weevil species, but I really have no idea.
Signature: Crysta Huszai

Hi Crysta,
You are correct that this is a Weevil, and it presented quite a challenge for us to get a proper identification.  We believe it is a male Brentus anchorago, and we first identified it on this FlickRiver website after considerable searching.  This entomology website confirmed that identification.  It is also represented on BugGuide with two mounted specimens, a male and a female, and we can deduce that your individual is a male.  Perhaps the nicest images are on FlickRiver.

Letter 4 – Weevil from Costa Rica

Identify beetle from Costa Rican jungle
Location: Caribbean lowland rainforest, Costa Rica
August 19, 2011 8:33 am
Hello,
I photographed this beetle in caribbean rainforest (La Selva) in Costa Rica. If anyone could identify it I would be most grateful!
Signature: Adrian Hepworth

Hi Adrian,
This is some species of Weevil, though we have not been able to find a matching photo online.  Weevils are sometimes called Snout Beetles or Bill Bugs because of the shape of their heads. 

Many thanks Daniel – I had the same problem! Much appreciated anyway.
Adrian

Perhaps one of our readers will eventually provide an identification.  Sometimes this even happens years later. 

Karl provides an answer
October 27, 2011
Weevil from Costa Rica – August 19, 2011
Hi Daniel and Adrian:
I believe it is a Straight-snouted Weevil (Brentidae) in the sub-family Brentinae (tribe Arrhenodini).  The general shape, color and pattern appear to be quite common Brentids globally, but I think I can narrow this down to one of two very closely related genera; Arrhenodes or Estenorhinus. Both have representative species in Central America but online photos are difficult to find. Based on the text description and illustrations found in the Electronica Biologia Centrali-Americana (see Figure 11), I am leaning towards E. guttata. The irregular black patches on the sides of the thorax are apparently diagnostic for the species. I can’t be certain but I believe that is getting pretty close. Regards. Karl

Letter 5 – Weevil from Indonesia

Subject: What this bug?
Location: Situ Cileunca, Warnasari, Pangalengan, West Java, Indonesia
December 2, 2012 3:48 pm
Take a picture of this bug 11/27/2010 on my insect hunting photo, but I don’t know what is it.
Signature: Mohamad Idham Iskandar

Dear Mohamad,
This is a Weevil, a type of Beetle often referred to as a Snout Beetle.  We are uncertain of the species.

Thanks Daniel, now I know where I should search :).

Letter 6 – Weevil from Indonesia

Subject: Black Beetle
Location: Taman Hutan Raya Insiyur Haji Juanda, Bandung, West Java. Indonesia
March 4, 2013 8:26 pm
Hello Daniel,
I got this photo from 2010, this beetle have this strange flat antennae and his/her eye is also strange.
The size is not more than 3 cm, and it’s a lone individual.
Hope that you could help.
Signature: Mohamad Idham Iskandar

Hi Mohamad,
This is some species of Weevil, we believe, though we have not had any luck with a matching image.  Perhaps one of our readers will have better luck with a species or genus identification.

Letter 7 – Weevil from Malawi

Subject: Bug identification
Location: Blantyre, Malawi
January 3, 2017 2:01 am
Hi,
Found this bug on my outdoor sofa today and never seen anything like it before. Can’t find it online as of yet and no one on local expat Facebook group had any suggestions.
It’s middle of summer here and rainy season so pretty hot, humid and wet.
Related bug to bottom of the garden and it seemed pretty docile. It’s about 7cm long and 4cm across abdomen.
Thanks,
Tammy
Signature: Cheers

Dear Tammy,
This is a Weevil in the family Curculionidae, but we are not able to provide you with a species name.  There are several similar looking individuals on the Beetles of Africa site.

Hi Damien,
Thanks very much for prompt reply. Someone replied to my Facebook post that it looked like a Lily Weevil.
Never thought I’d be that interested in a bug until I saw the weevil today. Always thought they were tiny things that got into your flour and rice.
Almost 40 and I’ve learnt something new today, thanks.
Cheers,
Tammy

Ed. Note:  There is no Damien on our staff.

Letter 8 – Weevil from Lebanon

Subject: Please identify my bug
Location: Lebanon
July 6, 2017 1:41 am
Hello , I came across this insect in lebanon in the Middle East/Mediterranean. Location miziara about 800 meters above sea level. Can you help identify it.
Thanks
Signature: Interesting bugs

This is a Weevil, but we have not had any luck determining the species.  Your Weevil does look similar to one posted on the Praying Mantis World blog that seems to originate in Bulgaria.  We tried additional searching and we believe your Weevil resembles the Rhubarb Weevil, Lixus concavus, that is pictured on Alamy, but that image was taken in New York.

Letter 9 – Weevil from Costa Rica

Subject:  what’s this bug?!
Geographic location of the bug:  Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica
Date: 11/09/2018
Time: 10:56 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  We found this bug in the heliconia on our farm above Turrialba. It was early in the morning in June. The children would love to learn what it is and why it has hooks on its feet.
How you want your letter signed:  Holden

Dear Holden,
This is a beetle known as a Weevil.  Based on Nature Closeups, it seems to be Cholus costaricensis, and searching that name led us to iNaturalist.

Letter 10 – Weevil from Mexico: Brentus anchorago

Subject:  Big ID
Geographic location of the bug:  Puerto Vallarta Jalisco mx
Date: 03/04/2019
Time: 07:07 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  Just curious for ID of this long neck bug.
How you want your letter signed:  Robert

Dear Robert,
This is a Weevil, and we are confident the species is Brentus anchorago.