The grain weevil can attack grains, such as corn, as it grows in the field.
The weevil is a beetle of the Curculionoidea family, which is extremely large and quite diverse. Many people are familiar with the stone and grain weevil, pests that cause a lot of damage to crops, but there are many more varieties of weevil in the world. As a general rule, weevils are considered pests because they are destructive and people take steps to prevent weevil infestations.
Farmers are wary of weevils as they can cause serious economic damage to agriculture.
Humans have been aware of the presence of weevils for centuries. During times of famine, historians wrote of eating weevil-infested grain out of desperation, for example, and conditions aboard ships during the 19th century are often illustrated by the chilling idea of eating weevil crackers. Historically, the weevil has also been seen as one of many agricultural pests that can cause serious economic damage.
The most distinctive feature of a weevil is its head. Most weevils have elongated heads that look like pronounced snouts, leading to the alternative name “snout beetle”. Most weevils are wingless and many have antennae that fold up when not in use. The color and size of a weevil can vary, and various subgroups within the weevil family infest different things, from fungi to roots. In all cases, weevils are famous for their destructiveness and ability to eat a surprising amount of material in a day.
The boll weevil attacks the cotton balls as they develop, laying eggs that hatch into larvae that eat the cotton, destroying it in the process. Weevils attack grains as they grow in the field and when they are stored, and many people are familiar with this type of weevil. In addition to attacking whole grains like corn, wheat, and rice, grain weevils also nest in flour, bread, crackers, and other grain products.
In addition to the raucous factor of eating weevils, it is also dangerous to eat products that contain weevils, because some of them carry disease. If you notice weevils in your cupboards, you should immediately throw out the infested food and check all other grains. It is also a good idea to empty the closet and clean it thoroughly. You can reduce the risk of weevil infestation by keeping beans in airtight containers and not for more than a year. This will also reduce the risk of the beans going rancid due to stored fats.