Weevils in the Pantry: How to Get Rid of Them
No one wants weevils in their pantry. Not only do these pests look icky, but they can also contaminate your food and make your kitchen an unhealthy place to be. Fortunately, there are ways to rid yourself of weevils and keep them away in the future. Read on to find out how.
Identify and Sanitize
The first step to getting rid of weevils is to identify and sanitize the area. Weevils are small, beetle-like insects that are commonly found in flour, cereal, and rice. They are typically dark brown and have a long snout. To get rid of weevils, you must first clean the pantry and remove any contaminated food. Vacuum or sweep the floor and shelves and discard any infested food.
Use Airtight Containers
Once you have identified and sanitized the pantry, it’s time to store your food in airtight containers. This will help to keep the weevils out and prevent any more infestations. Be sure to use containers that are made of plastic, glass, or metal and check regularly for signs of infestation.
Set Pest Traps
In order to get rid of any remaining weevils, you may want to consider setting pest traps. Pest traps can be purchased at your local hardware store and will attract weevils with bait. Place the traps in strategic locations, such as near the baseboards, and check them regularly.
Use Natural Remedies
If you are looking for a more natural way to get rid of weevils, there are several home remedies that can be used. For example, you can fill a shallow dish with vinegar and place it in your pantry overnight. This will attract the weevils and kill them. You can also sprinkle ground cinnamon around the pantry, as this has been found to be a natural deterrent.
Maintain Cleanliness
The best way to get rid of weevils is to maintain a clean and organized pantry. Keep food in airtight containers, check for signs of infestation regularly, and discard any contaminated food. Vacuum and sweep regularly, and don’t forget to check any shelves, counters, or drawers regularly as well.
People Also Ask
What Attracts Weevils?
Weevils are attracted to food sources, such as flour, rice, and cereal. They also like dark, warm, humid places.
How Long Do Weevils Live?
The average weevil lives for about 7-9 months.
Can Weevils Spread Disease?
Weevils can spread bacteria and other disease-causing agents, however, they are not known to transmit any disease directly to humans.
Can Weevils Fly?
Yes, adult weevils can fly. They typically do this in search of food or a mate.
Can Weevils Make You Sick?
Weevils cannot make humans directly sick, however, if your food is infested you may experience nausea, stomach pains, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Final Words
Weevils can be an annoying and even unsettling presence in your pantry. However, with a few basic steps, it is possible to get rid of them and keep your pantry free of these pests. Identify and sanitize the area, store food in airtight containers, and set pest traps. You may also want to consider natural remedies, such as vinegar or cinnamon, and practice regular cleanliness maintenance. With a little effort, you can get rid of weevils in your pantry and restore the peace of your kitchen.