get rid of weevils

Weevils are small animals that can be found inside kitchen cabinets feeding on products such as rice, beans, flour, grains, pasta, among others.

So that they don’t take over your pantry, puncture the packages and ruin your groceries, check out some tips to avoid weevils in a practical and effective way.

Whenever you store new foods in the cupboard, it is recommended to remove the ones that were already stored and check the expiration date on each one. Avoid storing spices for a long time, as expired foods are easy targets for weevils to proliferate.

Opened packages should be stored in airtight containers. If you find food packages with holes and notice the presence of weevils inside the packages, dispose of them immediately.

Avoid keeping food in fully closed cabinets, prefer to store them in more open places or in cabinets with lattice doors.

To have good ventilation of the place and avoid humidity, leave the furniture doors open for a while at least twice a week. Also, take this opportunity to clean out the closet and make sure there are no packages with holes or weevils.

Frequent pantry cleaning is key to keeping weevils away from food. To clean the place where food is stored, use a dry flannel or paper towel. Avoid using a damp cloth. However, if you prefer to clean with your favorite cleaning product, be sure to leave the furniture open to dry well before putting the products back on the shelves.

In more extreme cases, it may be necessary to carry out the extermination of environments and cabinets. Some of the most commonly used products for this purpose include pirimiphos-methyl and fenitrothion. It is recommended to use specialized companies and of your trust to carry out the extermination.

Another effective tip against weevils is to place a container with a little coffee grounds inside the cupboard or drops of eucalyptus oil (essence). The trick works as a natural insecticide and keeps weevils away from food.

More tips to avoid and get rid of food weevils

Watch the video below with more advice to keep these pets well away from your food.

wood beetles

Some species of beetles feed on wood. This type is not so common in Brazil, but it is possible that they appear, however, less frequently than grain weevils. This species lives best in the temperate European climate, occurring more frequently in Portugal.

The larvae of this species develop in crevices and cracks of coniferous woods (Pinus, Picea and Abies) feeding on the wood, digging holes in it. As adults, weevils drill through wood to reach the outside and leave holes in the surface.

It is possible to perceive the presence of these beetles by detecting small mounds of wood powder, similar to the mounds of earth that ants make around masonry houses.

Woods that have been treated with a good varnish or paint finish are more resistant to these weevils. However, if the problem affects your furniture and doors, one way to get rid of weevils is to leave wooden items always well lit and ventilated, as this species grows best in a damp and dark environment.

If the pest has been infested in a grandiose way, the solution, in this case, is to count on professional extermination.