Pesky Pantry Invaders: Battling Weevils in Los Angeles
We’ve all been there, eagerly opening up a bag of rice or flour to do some cooking – only to discover tiny insects wriggling around inside.
These unwelcome guests are none other than weevils, a common pest that infests pantries and kitchens across the world. Los Angeles is no exception, and so it is crucial to know how to deal with these pesky pantry invaders effectively
Want to know how to deal with Los Angeles weevil infestations? In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know for easy weevil control.
What Are Pantry Weevils?
Pantry weevils are small, reddish-brown, or black-colored beetles that range from 2-5mm in length. You can identify them based on their long snouts, which are used to penetrate grains and lay eggs. The larvae of pantry weevils are creamy white, worm-like, and small. They usually do not grow beyond 5mm in length.
Adults are capable of flying, but they often shuffle around on their legs.
Pantry weevils are not harmful to humans but can cause significant damage to food items. They infest a wide range of stored grains and can survive on flour, rice, oats, or corn for a long time.
Female weevils lay their eggs inside the grains, and when the larvae grow, they feed on the grains from the inside. Over time, they can make the grains powdery and cause discoloration and mold growth.
Why Do Los Angeles Weevil Infestations Occur?
Weevils can enter homes in various ways, but it mostly happens through items that have been previously infested.
Weevils thrive in warm and humid conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to store food products in a cool and dry area of the house. You should also check the back of shelves and deep corners for any leftover grains or food particles, and clean regularly.
Weevils can also enter the house through packaged foods. The food industry tries its best to eliminate weevil-infested items from supermarket shelves.
However, sometimes, the weevils on grains and cereals tend to be in their larval stage, unnoticeable at the time of packaging.
Prevention is Key When it Comes to Los Angeles Weevil Infestations
Weevils can be a real pain when they entire our home. These tiny beetles can cause extensive damage in the pantry and to food items.
Here are some tips for keeping them at bay.
Inspect All Food You Buy Carefully
One infected item of food can cause an entire infestation. Always check the packaging of items you purchase for signs of damage or holes. You should especially be wary of items such as rice, flour, cereals, and pasta.
Keep the Kitchen and Pantry Clean
Weevils are attracted to flour, spices, and other pantry items. Keeping your kitchen and pantry spotless is an effective way of preventing an infestation. It is vital to clean the kitchen and pantry regularly, especially after cooking. This will minimize the possibility of any food crumbs lying around.
Seal Potential Entry Points, Particularly in the Pantry
Pantries are often the ideal spot for weevils to breed as they can spot nooks and crannies to hide in easily.
Try not to leave food items in open packets and never store food directly in the pantry (e.g. inside a grocery bag). Instead, you’ll want to store food in airtight containers made of glass, plastic, or metal.
Throw Away Infested and Open Food Packages
Think a package might be infested with weevils? Just throw it away – it’s not worth it. Make sure you do this in an outdoor trash bin to prevent reinfestation.
As we stated earlier, just one package of contaminated food can lead to a major headache later on.
Use Repellents
Several natural and chemical products that can keep weevils at bay are available in the market. Some of the best natural options include cedarwood and bay leaves.
Commercial repellents, on the other hand, often contain chemicals that are harmful to humans and pets, so while they can be effective, you’ll need to be mindful of these risks if you’re using them around food (and consider entrusting the treatment to a professional exterminator instead).
Throw Out Trash Immediately
Even the smallest crumb of food from your trash bin can attract these pests, so get disciplined about taking the trash out on a regular basis. Remember, any leftover food should be wrapped and thrown out.
Look No Further For the Best Los Angeles Weevil Control
Dealing with a weevil infestation in your kitchen or pantry can be frustrating, but the good news is that it is relatively easy to prevent and eliminate these pesky insects.
And if you’re already dealing with a weevil infestation, call Hawx Pest Control, Los Angeles’ premiere pest control service, for help.
Our professional and friendly team will eliminate the problem quickly and effectively, leaving you with a pest-free home and peace of mind. You’ll love the results – and you’ll join Hawx’s growing family of satisfied customers.
