Weevils

General Description
Both the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryza) and the maize weevil (S. zeamais) are approximately one-eighth of an inch long and dull reddish-brown to dark brown in color.

Both species are capable of flying considerable distances. Both larvae and adults feed on whole grain, cereals, seeds, fruits and pasta.

General Control
Inspect for and eliminate infested food items. Sanitation and proper storage of products is key to controlling and preventing weevil infestations in food products. Infested items should be discarded. Screening or other physical barriers will help to prevent weevils from flying into the facility. Food items should be inspected for infestation before being stored in the facility. Small amounts of infested material can be frozen at 0 F for six days to kill the weevils.