General Characteristics:
- Adult length is 2.5 - 4mm
- Dull and brownish in colour with pits on thorax and four reddish spots on the elytra (wing-covers)
- Feeds on rice, wheat, barley and on other raw or processed cereals such as pasta
- Possesses chewing mouthparts
- Capable of flight
- More established in tropical climates but through modern transportation, has spread into many parts of Canada
- Adults live from 4 – 12 months
Reproduction:
- Ideal breeding temperatures are between 15°C and 34°C (relative humidity at 40%)
- Female lays about 150 eggs in her lifetime
- Chews small hole into kernel where egg is laid and then covered by a waxy substance
- From egg to adult takes from 5 – 8 weeks at temperatures between 27°C – 31°C
Signs of Infestation:
- Close examination of susceptible foods for exposed adults is an important part of locating infestations
- Damaged dry foods and/or presence of adults may be signs of infestation
- Cleaning of all food bins and proper disposal of spillage is necessary for prevention of infestations
- As only adults spend life exposed, infestations may be difficult to locate
Control Techniques:
- Proper disposal in sealed containers (following all local laws) is an effective control method
- To prevent infestation, inspect all grain related dry foods carefully upon purchase and store in air tight containers
- Cold temperature control is possible storing infested product for 12 weeks at 5°C
- Insecticides may be used for existing infestations ACCORDING TO LABEL SPECIFICATIONS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. p. 211.
“Rice weevil - Sitophilus oryzae (L.)”(On-line).Canadian Grain Commission. Accessed Jan. 13, 2010 at http://grainscanada.gc.ca/storage-entrepose/pip-irp/rw-cr-eng.htm.
“Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet (Entomology) - Granary and Rice Weevils” (On-line). Ohio State University Entomology. Accessed Jan. 13, 2010 at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2088.html.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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