Weevil extermination in Montreal, Laval and on the South Shore
What are weevils?
Definition
Weevils are small beetles belonging to the Curculionidae family. These insect pests can be recognized by their oval bodies, long proboscis-like heads and bent antennae.
The species most frequently found in homes and businesses in Quebec are :
Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) – invades cereal products such as rice and pasta.
Wheat weevil (Sitophilus granarius) – mainly attacks grain and flour.
Corn weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) – infests corn and other grain stores.
These insects attack foodstuffs stored in pantries, grocery stores and grain warehouses, rendering the products unfit for consumption.
Interesting fact: Unlike food moths, which lay their eggs on the outside of food, weevils lay their eggs directly inside the grain, making them harder to detect before the larvae hatch.
Which group is most affected by weevil infestations?
Weevil infestations mainly affect :
– Individuals and homeowners: They can find themselves with an infestation by buying contaminated foodstuffs such as rice, flour or cereals.
– Grocery and bulk stores: These are particularly vulnerable, as they stock large quantities of grain and flour.
– Silos, mills and food warehouses: The agri-food industry regularly suffers losses due to weevils contaminating grain stocks.
Why use an extermination company?
Weevils are often difficult to eliminate without professional intervention, as they develop directly inside the grain and can spread rapidly.
Food contamination – Larvae feed on cereals, causing a deterioration in product taste and quality.
Rapid spread – One female can lay up to 400 eggs, making an infestation difficult to contain.
Resistance to conventional methods – unlike food moths, weevils can survive for long periods without food and are often insensitive to household insecticides.
Why choose a professional extermination company?
Early and accurate detection: Inspection of infested areas and products at risk.
Complete eradication: Specialized treatment to eliminate adults, larvae and eggs.
Sustainable prevention: Tips to avoid reinfestation through better food management.
📞 Contact our team of experts now for a fast and efficient response.
How do you recognize an infestation of weevils?
Signs of infestation :
- Small black or brownish insects visible in packets of rice, flour or cereals.
- Presence of perforated or dusty grains, signs of larvae activity inside.
- Damaged food packages with small holes in plastic or cardboard packaging.
- Accumulation of fine flour particles at the bottom of cupboards or grain containers.
Adult weevils are often spotted first, but the real threat comes from larvae invisible to the naked eye, hidden inside food.
Comparison: Weevil vs. other food insects (Continued)
| Features | Weevil | Food moth | Drosophila (fruit fly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Small brown beetle, long rostrum | Small beige/grey butterfly | Small reddish or brown fly |
| Place of infestation | Grain and flour interior | Dry food surface | Ripe fruit, vinegar |
| Moving | Walks slowly, flies rarely | Fly in small circles near food sources | Very agile, flies everywhere |
| Nuisances | Contaminates grain from within | Ponds on packaging and dry goods | Ponds on rotting fruit |
| Easy detection | Difficult (larvae hidden in grain) | Easy (moths visible on packaging) | Highly visible around fruit |
Unlike food moths or drosophila, weevils are difficult to detect, as they develop inside food before emerging as adults.
Professional extermination process
Our specialists follow a rigorous method to eliminate weevils and prevent their return:
- Full inspection – Identification of infested areas, contaminated products and factors contributing to their presence.
- Disposal of contaminated food – Withdrawal and destruction of infested products to stop the spread.
- Targeted treatment – Application of specialized treatments that are safe for uninfested foodstuffs and the health of the people who live there.
- Cleaning and sanitizing – Vacuuming and disinfecting cupboards, shelves and food containers to eliminate hidden eggs and larvae.
- Follow-up and preventive advice – Recommendations to avoid reinfestation, in particular on the storage and rotation of dry foods.
Prevention and sustainable solutions
Once the weevils have been eliminated, it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid their return:
Hermetically sealed storage: Store grains, flours and cereals in sealed glass or plastic jars rather than in their original packaging.
Food inspection: Before purchasing, inspect packages and avoid those with holes or signs of moisture.
Regular cleaning: Vacuum cupboards and disinfect surfaces where dry food is stored.
Preventive freezing: Placing new bags of rice or flour in the freezer for 48 hours can kill invisible eggs.
Stock rotation: consume the oldest products first, and don’t leave grains in storage for too long.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are weevils dangerous to human health?
No, they don’t transmit disease. However, their presence alters the quality of food and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How do they get into my pantry?
Weevils are often already present in purchased products. They lay their eggs inside the grain before it is packaged, so an infestation can be triggered several weeks after purchase.
What should I do if I find weevils in my flour or rice?
Immediately discard contaminated food and thoroughly clean your pantry. Contact a specialized extermination company if the infestation persists.
How long does it take to completely eliminate a weevil infestation?
Professional intervention can bring the infestation under control quickly, but rigorous monitoring and feed management are needed to prevent their return.
Need a fast response?
Don’t let weevils contaminate your food and invade your pantry. Their presence can lead to serious food loss and compromise your kitchen’s hygiene.
Contact us today for a free estimate and a fast response. Our services are available exclusively in Montreal, Laval and the South Shore.