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Home-invading weevils

Quick facts

  • Weevils are small beetles that have noticeable snouts.
  • They are often lightbulb- or pear-shaped.
  • The immature, legless, grub-like larvae feed on plants.
  • Adult weevils look for shelter in unfavorable weather conditions, especially when it is hot and dry.
  • Weevils enter buildings by crawling through cracks or openings around foundations, doors and windows.
  • They do not harm people or pets, or damage buildings or property, or infest food products.
  • They are a temporary nuisance.

How to get rid of home invading weevils

Five black beetles with elongated snouts, two antennae and six legs each
Strawberry root weevils

Keeping out weevils is the best control method.

  • Caulk cracks and ensure snug-fitting screens and doors to reduce the number of weevils that may enter a building.
  • Weevils, especially strawberry root weevils, are attracted to moisture. You can trap them in shallow pans of water placed around foundations or walls of the house.
  • These pans do not capture enough weevils to reduce the number of weevils entering homes.

Generally, pesticides are not required.

  • When there are high numbers of weevils, you can apply a pesticide, such as permethrin or bifenthrin, around the home's foundation.
  • Pesticides available to the public are not very effective against weevils.

CAUTION: Mention of a pesticide or use of a pesticide label is for educational purposes only. Always follow the pesticide label directions attached to the pesticide container you are using. Remember, the label is the law.

Weevils inside homes

  • When weevils are found indoors, physically remove them with a vacuum or broom and dust pan.
  • Pesticides are not effective or necessary.
  • These weevils are harmless and temporary and will go away on their own.
  • Their numbers can vary from year to year.
  • If you see many weevils one year, it does not mean that they will be a problem again the next year.

Types of weevils

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Author: Jeffrey Hahn, former Extension entomologist

Reviewed in 2019

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