Weevils in rice are one of the questions we get most, and many people think they "come out of the rice itself". In fact weevils arrive with the rice from the source: the female lays an egg inside a grain of rice and seals it, so it cannot be seen, and weeks later the adult weevil emerges through a tiny hole in the grain.
What rice weevils look like
- A small insect about 2 to 4 mm long.
- Dark brown to black, sometimes with 4 pale spots on the back.
- It has a long snout at the front of the head, which sets it apart.
- It can fly, so you may see it on walls or windows near the kitchen.
If you see white worms with silk threads like webbing in rice or flour, these are not weevils but pantry moth larvae. See Pantry and Flour Moths.
Where do weevils in rice come from?
- From the factory or warehouse: the eggs are inside the grains before you buy them.
- Long storage in an open bag or a warm place.
- Moving between foods: weevils leave an infested bag and get into flour, pasta, pulses and dates.
- Heat and humidity speed up breeding, and the life cycle can be complete in about a month in summer.
Are weevils in rice harmful?
- The weevil itself is not poisonous, and eating one by accident usually does no harm.
- But heavily infested rice loses quality, gathers moisture, debris and droppings, and can go mouldy.
- The rule: if the infestation is light (a few weevils), you can clean and wash the rice. If it is heavy, smells or has clumps, throw it away.
How to get rid of weevils in rice
- Check all grains in the cupboard: rice, flour, pasta, pulses, spices and dates.
- Throw away heavily infested food in a sealed bag and take it out of the house.
- Freeze sound or lightly infested rice for 4 days to a week, as the cold kills eggs and larvae inside the grains.
- Empty the cupboard, vacuum corners and cracks, wipe with soap and water, and let it dry completely.
- Return food in airtight containers of strong plastic or glass, not bags.
Caution: never spray any insecticide on food or inside grain containers. Insecticides are only used in cupboard cracks from the outside after emptying it, or in stores and warehouses by a professional.
How to stop weevils coming back
- Buy enough for a month or two instead of large sacks.
- Check the bag when buying, and avoid bags with holes or fine dust.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from the oven and sun.
- Keep older food at the front and use it first.
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Rice weevil FAQs
Do weevils fly?
Yes, rice weevils can fly, which explains why you sometimes find them on a wall or near a window away from food.
Do bay leaves repel weevils?
They may repel slightly, but they do not kill the eggs inside the grains. The real solution is freezing and airtight containers.
Does washing rice remove weevils?
It removes adult weevils that float on the water, but eggs and larvae inside the grain do not come out with washing.