How do you keep weevils out of bird seeds?
Avoiding Indian Meal Moths or Grain Weevils
“To avoid hatching meal moths or other insects, keep bird seed in as cool a place as possible outside of the house, such as your garage or porch. Do not buy more than you can use up in several weeks.
Why are there weevils in my bird seed?
The adult weevil lays their eggs on appropriate seed or grains which will become the food source for the developing larva. When the egg hatches, the larva tunnels into the grain and sets up shop inside.
How do I get rid of weevils?
Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils. Clean any unaffected items such as cans or containers before returning them to the pantry.
If You Discover Pests in Your Seed:
- Immediately isolate any seed bag/container where webs or larvae have been seen.
- If the trash is your only option for disposal, wrap the seed in large plastic bag.
- Wash all containers with a hose and a 10% bleach solution to kill any remaining eggs.
Can birds eat bird seed with weevils?
Weevils are actually a food source of protein for birds, and they will eat the pests present in the seeds along with the grains themselves. Sometimes, weevils can damage the quality of bird seeds, which can be bad for a bird’s health. Make sure to check the bird seeds for mold and fungus before you serve them u.
Is it OK to feed birds seed with bugs in it?
These pests can also travel from bird seed into flour, grains and foods in the home pantry. Any bird seed that is found to be infested with bugs should be promptly disposed of.
Will birds eat bird seed with bugs in it?
The Indian Meal Moths (Plodia interpunctella) and Mediterranean Flour Moth (Ephestia kuehniella) are two common insects found in bird seed. For the birds they are a yummy added bonus as birds will gladly eat the larvae (caterpillars) and cocoons of these insects.
Do weevils get into bird seed?
But if you find insects inside bags of grains, beans or seeds, then weevils are the likely culprits. “Commonly infested items are bird seed, pet food, or wildlife feed containing seeds or corn,” says Lofquist.
How do I keep weevils out of my seed?
Make certain the seeds are 100% dry, pop them into a sealing bag (to keep the moisture out) and then place the bag in a freezer. After leaving it there for 3 days, the cold will kill weevil eggs, larvae and pupae. Remove seeds from your freezer and transfer them to a breathable bag or envelope.
Why are there bugs in my birdseed?
Adults lay hundreds of eggs in the grain, and when the caterpillars hatch, they use the grain as food to mature and become adult moths. In the process, food and storage containers become full of crawling little bugs and their webs.
Should I throw away bird seed with bugs?
If You Discover Pests in Your Seed:
If the trash is your only option for disposal, wrap the seed in large plastic bag. Wash all containers with a hose and a 10% bleach solution to kill any remaining eggs. Rinse and let dry for 24 hours before filling with fresh seed. Never use pesticides near anything related to bird
Why is there bugs in my bird food?
If you feed the birds in your yard, you’ve probably experienced pesky pantry larvae and moths at least once. First, the good news: all bird foods contain the eggs of pantry/flour moths. Under the right conditions, the eggs hatch into small worms (the larvae), which create webs and transform into more moths.
5 Steps To Get Rid Of Bugs in Bird Seed
- Throw away your old food that’s open. You don’t want this infestation to spread then throw away any food you’re currently using.
- Freeze any unopened food.
- Clean your bird cage, toys, perches etc.
- Buy new bird food.
- Use airtight containers to store defrosted bird food.