About Rice Weevils
Rice weevils have a length of 3 to 4.6 mm. Their bodies range in hue from dark brown to reddish-brown to black, with lighter colored spots on the thorax and abdomen. Rice Weevils are not the same as Granary Weevils, which are usually invariably a solid dark brown hue. Rice weevils have lengthy snouts that protrude from their heads. Rice Weevils can be found in flour, rice, and whole-grain kernel meals. The larvae of the rice weevil resemble little white grub-like worms.
Habits
Inside a grain kernel, a female weevil lays an egg. (She can repeat this as many as 254 times!) The egg hatches and the larva lives within for one to five months, depending on the season, feeding on the kernel as it grows. When the weevil reaches adulthood, it exits from the kernel to mate and search for fresh grains to infect.
Habitat
Rice weevil infestations may occur in a variety of environments, although the ideal temperature range is 25°C to 30°C. These insects like to feed on stored, undisturbed goods, such as those found in warehouses, silos, and bins.
Threat
Rice weevils are pest insects that eat on the insides of grains, rice, maize, and other crops, causing harm. Female rice weevils can also lay an egg in each grain or kernel, and the larva feeds on the inside to grow into an adult that lives for about two to three months.
Prevention
Upon buying, inspect every grain. To destroy any eggs, freeze grains for at least a week. One can purchase grains in small quantities and consume them within an acceptable time frame. Also, grain should be stored in airtight glass, metal, or plastic containers. Clean the gaps, crevices, and shelves in the pantry on a regular basis. Weevils can be removed by placing little packets of black pepper about the pantry. Alternative alternatives, such as the usage of hermetic technology, should be considered. Farmers and handlers no longer need to employ chemical fumigants to keep weevils at bay thanks to this cutting-edge technology. Hermetic storage’s airtight and moisture-tight barrier features safeguard goods against potential damage and insect infestations. If the goods within the sealed bags already include insects, they will hunger for oxygen and be eradicated within days inside the hermetic storage. Controlled atmosphere treatments, in which carbon dioxide is pumped into the sealed storage unit, can also be used to speed up the process.
