How to Get Rid of Weevils in the House

Most weevils have clearly visible snouts.

Weevils are a type of hard-bodied, pear-shaped beetle with elongated, snout-like mouthparts. According to the University of Minnesota, they typically enter homes during the fall and winter to escape adverse conditions. Among the more common home-invading weevils are the strawberry root weevil, the imported longhorn weevil, the black vine weevil and the Asiatic oak weevil. Weevils are not harmful to people and don't damage homes or food items, but they can be a nuisance.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Caulk and caulking gun
• Weatherstripping
• Pans of water
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Vacuum or sweep up weevils found in the home.

2. Caulk any cracks around your foundation or inside the home that may be entry points for weevils.

3. Replace any loose-fitting or ripped window screens. Windows are common entry points for weevils and other insects.

4. Add weatherstripping around door frames to ensure they close snugly.

5. Place shallow pans of water around your home's foundation to trap strawberry root weevils, which are black to dark brown and flightless. These weevils have pitted ridges along their backs and are sometimes mistaken for ticks. They can be distinguished from ticks because they have six legs, while ticks have eight.

6. Spray insecticides containing the chemicals chlorpyrifos or diazinon around your home's foundation. Always read and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully when using insecticides.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; Home-Invading Weevils; Jeffrey Hahn
• University of Missouri Extension; Household-Invading Beetles; Darryl P. Sanders