Pests can be a serious issue in homes, especially if they have infiltrated your bedroom. One such disastrous pest infestation is caused by weevils.
Weevils are a type of small beetle. They not only make your skin crawl but make it extremely uncomfortable and toxic for you to continue living in your room, where they might feed on crumbs, skin flakes, and hair.
That is why it is essential to get rid of them as soon as you spot one in your room. Weevils are a common type of pest infestation that infiltrates your home through the cracks in the doors.
They also sneak in through groceries and other food items.
In this article, we are going to give you a detailed guide on how you can get rid of these nasty intruders. However, before we move forward, you need to learn a little more about them.
So, let’s dive right in!
What do Weevils look like?
Weevils are a kind of small beetle. They are brownish or reddish in color. Weevils are very small, with an average size of 3 mm.
They are known for their elongated snout. Weevils have around 60,000 different identified species.
However, you don’t need to figure out the exact species to get rid of them; the same procedure applies to all of them. Weevils are also notoriously known as flour bugs because they are often found growing inside flour and grains.
They grow in rice, seeds, and beans. Weevils also live inside bags of starches and grains and eat them to grow. So, make sure that you check all your groceries and food items when you bring them home.
Steps for Removing Weevils from your Bedroom
Here are the steps that you need to take to get rid of weevils from your bedroom. They are as follows:
- Clean and remove the food source of weevils from your bedroom.
- Inspect your kitchen for any other weevil infestations
- Use traps and pesticides.
- Use weevil deterrents
These are the four main steps involved in getting rid of weevils in your bedroom. Keep reading as we explain in further detail how to eliminate weevils and prevent them from infesting your home in the future.
Step #1: Clean and remove the food source of weevils from your bedroom
Weevil infestations often happen in kitchens, and it’s not a very common occurrence in bedrooms. Nonetheless, it is possible, and you must do everything to remove the pests right away. Usually, weevils enter your bedroom through food items.
Maybe you took a snack in your room, which had weevils attached to it. Or maybe you allowed the leftover food to sit in your bedroom for too long. Whatever the reason, once the weevils have entered your room, it’s essential that you get rid of them.
The first thing that you need to do is to identify and remove the infested food source. Weevils lay eggs and live inside these food sources, so you need to remove them right away to minimize their growth.
If you suspect a weevil infestation in your bedroom, pay attention to any small beetles with noticeable snouts that may be crawling around your space.
Pay special attention to areas where crumbs or food particles may have accumulated, such as nightstands, dressers, or even the sides of your bed.
Depending on the extent of the infestation, you might also spot tiny holes in your bed sheets or clothing as these insects may burrow themselves into the fabric while seeking shelter.
Clean your bedroom and remove all the food that’s present in the room that could be a potential breeding ground for the weevils. Make sure you also remove leftovers and then vacuum your entire room thoroughly.
Common Food Sources of Weevil Infestation
Weevils are attracted to different types of food sources, such as rice, flour, wheat grains, seeds, beans, and lentils.
Mostly, the kind of food that these pests are attracted to is found in the kitchen’s pantry.
So, make sure you don’t bring any such food or nutritious items in your bedroom until the pest problem is solved.
Step #2: Inspect your Kitchen for any other Weevil Infestations
After cleaning your room, the next step is to inspect your home, especially the kitchen, for any other infestations.
The infestation in your bedroom most likely spread through another source in the house, so it’s important to identify and remove it.
Go to your kitchen and look closely for any signs of weevil infestations. The first thing you need to do is remove and throw away all the food items and packages that show signs of weevil infestations.
Check your packaged food items, such as cereals, grains, and dried fruits. Look for small holes in the packaging or the presence of weevils inside.
Make sure you put these items in a waste bag and then dump it outside your home, so the infestation doesn’t come back.
Now, deep clean your kitchen. Wipe the kitchen counters, cabinets, and other surfaces thoroughly. Use cleaning soap, bleach, or a vinegar solution to wipe your kitchen.
Make sure you remove all the leftover food items and crumbs. Finally, vacuum the kitchen, so it’s completely dry.
Step #3: Use Traps and Pesticides
After you have removed and cleaned out the weevil infestation from your bedroom and home, it’s important to take a few measures to remove and prevent their further growth.
You can do this by using pesticides and traps. Here are some options to choose from:
Insecticides
If the weevil infestation in your bedroom or home is stubborn and you still spot weevils after cleaning the room, then you should clean your home with an insecticide.
Choose a pesticide that is specifically manufactured to kill insects like weevils.
You must ensure that you apply it exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions:
- Read and follow the label instructions carefully for proper application.
- Make sure to wear protective gloves, clothing and a mask when handling any chemicals.
- Apply the insecticide directly to the areas where you have seen the weevils, including cracks, crevices, and any other potential hiding places.
- Keep windows open and ensure proper ventilation after application, allowing the insecticide to dry completely before reoccupying the room.
Diatomaceous Earth
If you’re looking for a less intense option that doesn’t pose a hazard for pets and children, then you should use diatomaceous earth. It helps kill and deter weevils from your home.
Apply it by sprinkling it along the edges of your bedroom carpet, kitchen cabinets, and any other spot where you see any weevils. Allow the sprinkle to sit for a few days and then vacuum it out.
Glue Traps
Another great option for a chemical-free solution is the glue traps. You can buy pantry glue traps and spread them across your home and in your bedroom.
Glue traps are also highly efficient at keeping the weevils away from re-entering your home after you have cleaned them out.
The clue traps will alert you about the presence of weevils right away if they make their way back into your room.
Step #4: Use Weevil Deterrents
The last step is to make sure that weevils do not make their way back into your bedroom.
Now that you’ve removed the pests successfully, you should consider incorporating the following deterrent techniques to keep them away for the long run:
Always Check Your Groceries
Since most weevil infestations are carried by groceries, the first preventive method that you need to take is to begin inspecting your groceries.
Every time you bring fresh groceries home, make sure they are free from any weevils. Check the groceries and packaged food items properly before you store them in your kitchen.
Keep Dry Foods Frozen
Another great tip for preventing the infestation of weevils is to freeze all the dry food items for a few days before storing them in your pantry.
This way, all the weevil eggs will be killed before they can grow into weevil bugs.
Seal Entry Points
Identify and seal any possible entry points for weevils into your bedroom and home. Check for gaps around windows, doors, and cracks in walls or floors. Seal these openings with caulk or weather stripping.
Store Dry Foods in Air Tight Containers
Sometimes weevils can even penetrate packaged food and lay eggs inside it. That is why it’s best to store your dry foods in airtight containers.
Remove the food items from their original packaging and transfer them inside an airtight container so that weevils can’t chew their way inside it.
Natural Weevil Deterrents
Adopting these deterrents can reduce the chances of a weevil infestation in your bedroom.
Bay leaves: Place some bay leaves in the corners of your bedroom, closets, and drawers. These leaves are a natural deterrent to weevils and other bugs as they dislike the strong odor.
Change the leaves every few weeks for maximum effectiveness.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your bedroom’s surfaces.
The acidic nature of vinegar is unappealing to weevils so they will stay away. Ensure that you don’t over-saturate any surfaces, as too much moisture can lead to mold growth.
Eucalyptus oil: Make a solution of a few drops of eucalyptus oil and water in a spray bottle, and apply it to your bedroom’s surfaces. The strong scent of eucalyptus is a natural weevil deterrent.
You can also place a few drops of the oil on cotton balls and place them strategically around your room. Replace the cotton balls every few weeks to maintain effectiveness.
Plants: Incorporate bug-repelling plants, such as lavender and mint, in your bedroom. These plants not only act as natural weevil deterrents but also add a pleasant aroma to your space.
Place these plants in pots near your bedroom windows or other areas where weevils are likely to enter.
Do Weevils Bite Humans?
This is a common concern for people who have recently noticed weevils in their bedrooms. Rest assured that weevils do not bite humans, and they are harmless physically.
Weevils are also not known for biting pets or other living beings.
If you feel like you’ve been bit by a weevil, it’s important that you inspect your room for other types of bugs.
Since weevils do not bite humans, it is possible that your room has other infestations as well, such as bed bugs and fleas.
What Will Happen If I Accidentally Consume a Weevil?
Since weevils usually infest dry food items and lay their eggs on them, you might be worried about having consumed them accidentally.
However, there is no reason to panic. Although it sounds gross to even think about it, the weevil can’t harm you in any way if you have bit accidentally on one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best method to eliminate weevils from a bedroom?
The best method to eliminate weevils from your bedroom is to clean your room thoroughly and remove any potential weevil food sources.
Vacuum your entire space, paying close attention to corners, crevices, and your bed. Make sure to wash your bedding and pillows, and store any food items in sealed containers.
Do weevils infest mattresses and what can be done?
Yes, weevils may infest mattresses if there are food particles present. To prevent this, regularly clean and vacuum your mattress, as well as wash your bedding.
In severe cases, you may need to inspect your mattress for signs of infestation and consider replacing it if necessary.
Can you prevent weevils from biting?
Weevils generally do not bite humans, as they are more attracted to grains and other stored food items.
However, in rare cases, they might bite. To prevent bites, maintain a clean and clutter-free bedroom, and seal any food items in airtight containers.
What are natural ways to remove weevils from a room?
There are several natural ways to remove weevils from your bedroom:
- Clean your room thoroughly and remove any potential weevil food sources.
- Create a DIY weevil trap by putting a few drops of dish soap and water in a small container, and place it near the affected area.
- Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to protect your stored food items.
- Use diatomaceous earth, a natural powder, around the affected areas, as it can help kill the weevils by damaging their exoskeleton.
Is there an effective spray for treating weevil infestations at home?
Yes, there are effective sprays for treating weevil infestations at home. Look for sprays containing pyrethrin or pyrethroids, which are safe to use indoors, according to the label’s instructions.
Make sure to target cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots when spraying to eliminate the weevils.
How do weevil traps work and are they an effective solution?
Weevil traps work by luring weevils with an attractant, such as a food-based lure or pheromone. Once the weevils enter the trap, they become stuck on an adhesive surface or fall into a container, preventing their escape.
Weevil traps can be an effective solution when used alongside cleaning and other preventative measures. Make sure to check and replace traps regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Although weevils look unpleasant and dirty, they are practically harmless. Therefore, it’s not difficult to get rid of them.
All you need to do is clean your bedroom and kitchen thoroughly and add a few deterrents, and your problem will be solved.
If you follow the steps that we laid out in this article and take precautionary measures, your home will never have weevil infestation again.
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