A weevil is a type of beetle that comes from the family of "Curculionoidea",usually small and herbivorous. Weevil in its scientific name is called "Lixus angustatus "
Many weevils are named pests because they have the ability to damage and also kills crops. While others are used for biological control of invasive plants.
There are types of weevil which are;
Wheat weevil which is called sitophilus granarius.
Boll weevil which is called Anthonomus grandis
Bean weevil which is called Acanthoscelides obtectus
Black vine weevil which is called Otiorhynchus sulcatus
Rose weevil also called Merhynchites bicolor
White pine weevil called Pissodes strobi
WHEAT WEEVIL
This occurs all over the world and also a common and popular pests in many places. Wheat weevil can cause damage to stored grains that are harvested and they decrease crop yields.
The female wheat weevil lays many eggs while the larvae eat the inside of the grain kernels. The adult wheat weevils are about 3-5 mm long with elongated snouts and chewing mouth parts.
RICE WEEVIL
This is a product pest that is stored and attacks several crops such as wheat,rice and maize. They belong to the Animalia kingdom,family of Curculionoidea.
The adult rice weevils are around 2 mm long with a long snout. They have brown/black body color but when you examine them very well,four orange/red spots are arranged in a cross on the wing covers. They can fly and survive for over two years. The females lay 2-6 eggs per day and over 300 in their lifetime.
Scientists estimate that there are over 1000 species of Curculionoidea in North America. Weevils species are in wide range of colours and body shapes. Many are slender or oval shaped insects. They range in size from about 3 mm to over 6mm in length. Their colour are usually dark coloured (brownish to black)
An adult weevil has an elongated head that forms a snout. The adult weevil's mouth is at the end of the snout.
Weevils are found indoors through well packaged foods or bulk products,some can even find their way into a home from the yard. Their eggs are invisible to the naked eye,so it is easy to buy goods without knowing the goods are infested.
Weevils are infested as a result of fruit trees or gardens. They can kill garden plants,they contaminate infested food with their feces and cast skins causing more danger. Weevils when they cause damage,and their damage is destructive and expensive.
The most common stored product are
Cowpea weevils
Granary weevils
Rice weevils
These weevils annoys owner of the home because when they come,they invade often in great numbers. They do hide during winter and leave in the spring,while others come in the summer when the weather starts turning hot.
People might not notice these weevils when they are outside the home,but when they manage to find an opening and invade the home, the owner of the home seldoms finds thousands of insects crawling on the wall
The most important control methods to use in destroying these weevils are to find the infested material and then destroy it. Also,before buying any goods, they should be properly inspected and check very well before purchasing it.
Weevils are found in the fields, gardens and orchards. During spring,adults weevil lays eggs on the ground near host plants.
HOW TO CONTROL FOOD INFESTING WEEVILS
Check all stored food
Throw away or treat any food in which weevils are found
Wipe shelves clean
Make sure all foods are in a tight container sealed or stored in refrigerator or freezer.
Thanks for reading.