How to stop weevils?
Hi,
Being in a International Snacks Producing FMCG, we are facing a big issue of weevils in prodcution area. AIB audit period has been started now and daily we are facing weevil findings near critical areas in shop floor. We are into extruded products, using rice and corn , but the weevils are never found at the inspection during receiving. any idea on how to stop them as we dont want any NC in AIB . we have done vendor audits too but at there end everything is fine, but still we have not found any suitable answers as we know they are born inside bags after months because female weevils lay there eggs before pre harvesting. So any idea that we can stop them from roaming around in production area ??
Hi,
Being in a International Snacks Producing FMCG, we are facing a big issue of weevils in prodcution area. AIB audit period has been started now and daily we are facing weevil findings near critical areas in shop floor. We are into extruded products, using rice and corn , but the weevils are never found at the inspection during receiving. any idea on how to stop them as we dont want any NC in AIB . we have done vendor audits too but at there end everything is fine, but still we have not found any suitable answers as we know they are born inside bags after months because female weevils lay there eggs before pre harvesting. So any idea that we can stop them from roaming around in production area ??
Hi KSHMR,
Store your raw materials at -18degC. That should slow the weevils down 100%.
Be careful not to just assume they're coming in with your raw materials. They can just as easily find harborage spaces in/around your plant and colonies exposed or spilt grains.
Some resources I found:
https://www.uaex.edu...uals/AG1157.pdf
http://www.iaom.info.../IPM-Manual.pdf
Contain some of the heat/cool treatments Charles mentioned and other specific treatments and prevention strategies.
Containment: Identify the weevil specie and install lure traps (pheromones) on strategic locations. Traps with high quantities mean source and harbourage are nearby. Quarantine the infested area or product. Freezing, fumigation or pest control treatment are options.
Preventive: Use the lures in your plant surrounding to confirm if they are present. if they are, pest control treatment is necessary. Weevils may not be seen during incoming inspection because they are at non-adult stage. Post non-adult weevils pics at your incoming. Increasing your sample size or frequency may also help. Also, conduct surprise audits of your vendors. If allowed, require your vendor to submit fumigation certificate with their deliveries.
Do you have a pest control company or do you have a licensed operator who is doing it in-house? I personally lean a lot on my pest control operator to help me out when I am having issues, it is what they are good at. If you have a pest control company, I would talk to them. In addition to some of the great advice already posted in this thread. Good luck.