Small Bugs With Long Noses

Q: I found lots of small bugs with long noses in my bird seed. Any idea what they are? 

A: Could be granary weevils, rice weevils or maize weevils. These insects are commonly called ‘snout weevils’. They probably got into your seed at the processing factory. The larvae bore into seed and make themselves at home. You won’t know you have them until the larvae hatch into the adult weevils you are seeing. Weevils are harmless to humans. They do not bite or sting but the birdseed should be fed to the birds promptly. Weevils commonly move from bird seed into any beans stored in the home pantry, so never store bird seed indoors. Buy smaller bags of seed in the future so it will be used up before the weevils hatch.

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