Weevils, also known as home-invading flour bugs, are a type of beetle with elongated snouts. A widespread and common insect, weevils can be commonly found in flour, rice, or cornmeal.
There are different types of common weevils: rice weevils, vine weevils, wheat or flour weevils, and cowpea weevils. While they all have different purposes, you're more likely to find the four weevil in your home, as they feed on cereal grains.
Not sure what they are? Here's everything you need to know about weevils, including what they look like, where you find them and how to get rid of them.
Why do I have weevils in my house?
Adult weevils will enter your home through cracks or openings around foundations, doors and windows. Most often, weevils will look for shelter when the weather becomes too unbearable for them, especially when it's hot and dry outside.
How do weevils get into flour?
Similar to other pantry pests, weevils will feed on whole grains including rice, flour, nuts, beans, cereals, seeds and corn. Unlike other insects that climb into flour, weevils live and feed inside the food. The female will chew a hole into the grain kernel, depositing the egg inside. When the egg hatches, you will notice weevils inside your flour. If you've opened your flour and found it crawling with small pests, you probably have weevils.
Are weevils harmful?
Weevils are not harmful to humans or animals, so you have nothing to worry about if you spot them inside your home. They can, however, cause extensive damage to stored cupboard foods, so always throw away any food where you find their presence. Once they are inside your flour or rice, their population can grow rapidly and expand to food items stored nearby.
If you have found weevils, clear any cupboards well, using a vacuum to be sure you've gotten rid of all of their larvae.
How do you identify weevils?
Weevils are easily distinguished by their elongated head that forms a long snout. In fact, some weevils have a snout as long as their body. Most are reddish-brown of black, cannot fly and have slender, oval-shaped bodies.
How can you get rid of weevils?
A great way to naturally repel weevils is to place cloves and bay leaves in your cupboards to help ward them off. As well as this, you could also try positioning several cloves of garlic around your pantry or kitchen to keep them at bay. White vinegar is a stronger option, if you feel you are unable to control their presence.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Looking for some positivity? Get Country Living magazine posted through your letterbox every month. SUBSCRIBE NOW
Best patio heaters for spring evenings in the garden
Dunelm Electric Wall Mounted Patio Heater
Wall-mounted patio heaters preserve precious space while keeping your guests toasty during al fresco gatherings. This wallet-friendly pick from Dunelm has three heat settings up to 2,000W, and comes with a wall bracket for easy installation. For the price you pay, we think it’s a steal.
Looking for a sleek and stylish patio heater? Well, look no further than Tower's impressive oscillating design. IP65 weatherproof approved, it has nine heating levels and allows you to keep track of your power and heating selection thanks to the smart digital display. Plus, it comes with a remote control, too.
Available in black or silver, this powerful wall-mounted heater is a high-quality solution for heating small outdoor spaces such as yards and patios. It features a timer, remote control and an impressive weather-resistance rating of IP65.
Outsunny 11.2kw Pyramid Gas Patio Heater
This patio heater is a real investment in finer outdoor entertaining. We love the pyramidal shape, and your back will appreciate the wheels that have been included for no-lift movement. A gas hose and regulator are included – but you’ll need to provide your own propane.
Gather around this rotating, table-top heater for cosier get-togethers with your guests. Powered by mains electricity, the Mojo has two heat settings: 350kW and 700kW. There are also three directional settings, to share warmth evenly around the table. We like the carry handle, too.
A high-performing option to warm up your evenings, this nicely presented Swan patio heater uses a carbon fibre heating element that gives off plenty of heat while using electricity at a reasonable 1,800W. The heater can be mounted on either a wall or ceiling, and comes with a remote control.
Kettler Kalos Plush Electric Overhang Heater
Embrace outdoor living with this floor standing patio heater. The arched stand design and suspended lampshade cover wouldn't look out of place in your living room. In fact, it’s a quietly robust outdoor heater, featuring a variety of heat settings, remote control operability and handy casters on the base.
Another stylish choice, which also just happens to save space thanks to its built-in table top, this great pick from Outsunny is ideal for keeping snacks and drinks nearby while you relax outdoors. So, if you're looking to hide the often rather unsightly gas bottle, this is the patio heater for you.
Swan Portable Patio Heater
Bring warmth anywhere your power supply will reach with Swan's super-portable patio heater. It features an automatic turn-off safeguard, a wide, stable base, and a convenient carry handle allowing the heater to move with the flow of the evening. This heater gets top marks for efficiency too, thanks to its carbon fibre heating element.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this ceiling mounted patio heater can be installed in the living room, garden, balcony, or outdoor terrace. We really like its flared ceiling lamp style.
This easy-mounting parasol heater attaches to your parasol’s pole, and beams down warmth and light to seated guests below. The quartz heating elements inside make efficient use of electricity, warming up nearby people and objects, rather than the air. Please note that the heater is compatible with parasol poles up to a diameter of 7cm, so this isn’t the right option to use with a really chunky parasol.
With a touch sensor switch and remote control, this polished table top heater from Argos adds an elegant touch to any outdoor dining setup.
Heatlab Freestanding Electric Quartz Bulb Patio Heater
Simple, effective and very reasonably priced, Heatlab’s freestanding patio heater is a fast route to warming up your outdoor space. It comes with a remote so you can easily adjust the heat without leaving your spot on your garden sofa. The IPX4 rating guarantees some resistance to light rain, so you’ll have time to act in the event of any summer showers.
Igenix Stainless Steel Portable Outdoor Patio Heater
Igenix's height-adjustable, remote-controlled patio heater offers 360° heat distribution making it a focal point for outdoor entertaining. It comes with a waterproof cover that can easily be slipped on to protect the heater during the unpredictable British summertime weather.
Providing targeted heat instantly thanks to its low frequency waves, this stainless steel patio heater is a great all-rounder. It can be used to add warmth to your patio, or within marquees, gazebos, conservatories, or under awnings. The clear halogen heating elements impart an unobtrusive glow to the space, as well.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
