Stored food

Weevils

Some weevils infest grains and dry provisions; adults in or near food packets can signal a source worth checking in cupboards or storerooms.

Weevils are small beetles, often recognised by a narrow snout. Some species infest stored grains and other dry foods. In a home or compound in Accra, they may be noticed in rice, maize, beans or other stored provisions, or crawling near a cupboard after emerging from an infested food package. The affected food is usually the source to investigate. Inspect neighbouring packets as well, even if their contents look normal at first glance.

An infestation can make stored food unsuitable to keep and may spread to other dry goods if the source is left in storage. Crepps uses an IPM approach, inspecting the food storage area, identifying the insect and looking for how it entered. The plan focuses on hygiene, sound storage and monitoring, with targeted treatment only where needed. Fumigation is considered only when other methods will not control the problem.

Signs

Look for small beetles in or near stored grain, beans or other dry provisions. Some affected kernels may have small, round holes. Check opened packets, cupboard corners and nearby shelves for live insects or food that appears damaged.

Why it matters

Weevils can infest stored food, making affected provisions unsuitable to keep. In a kitchen or storeroom, an unnoticed source may allow insects to appear in other nearby dry goods. Identifying the affected food helps guide sensible cleaning and control.

The IPM approach

We inspect the kitchen or storeroom, identify the pest and check stored goods to locate the source and route of entry. We recommend removing infested food, cleaning and improving storage, then monitoring activity. Treatment is targeted and used only where needed. Fumigation is used only when other methods will not control the problem.

Prevention

Keep kitchen and storeroom shelves clean, clear away crumbs and check dry goods regularly. Use intact, tightly closed containers for grains and other provisions. Inspect packages before storing them, rotate supplies, and discard food when you find an infestation.

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