Granary Weevil
Sitophilus granarius
Identification
- 1/8 - 3/16 inch long
- reddish brown
- elongated oval pits on the thorax
- tuck in legs and remain motionless when disturbed; cannot fly
- larvae: small, white legless grubs with brown head capsules
Nesting Habits
- lay eggs in small holes chewed by females
- larvae develop inside kernels of grain
Diet
- feed on whole corn, wheat, barley, rice, pet food, bird seed, sunflower seeds and occasionally old pasta, chestnuts and acorns
Significance
- attack a wide variety of grains
- primarily distributed by people via infested food
IPM Recommendations
- Use traps to monitor activity in structures, pantries and bulk grain storage.
- Improve sanitation procedures in affected areas.
- Inspect all incoming food items for pests.
- Store all susceptible food items in pest-proof containers.
- Dispose of infested food items.
- Keep moisture low in food storage areas by improving ventilation.
- Keep food in regular rotation.