Pantry Pest

Bean Weevil

Acanthoscelides obtectus

Also known as: Common Bean Weevil

The Bean Weevil infests dried beans and other legumes both in the field and in storage. Larvae develop inside individual beans, and adults emerge through round exit holes, leaving infested beans riddled with holes and unsuitable for consumption.

Identification

Size

2.5-3.5 mm

Color

Olive-brown to gray with darker mottled markings

Key Trait

Infests dried beans and legumes; adults emerge from stored beans leaving round exit holes.

Behavior & Habitat

Females lay eggs on or inside dried beans. Larvae bore into the bean and complete development inside. Multiple larvae can infest a single bean.

Habitat: Dried bean storage in pantries, warehouses, and agricultural facilities.

Diet: Dried beans (kidney, pinto, navy, lima) and other legumes.

Signs of Infestation

Small beetles in stored dried beans
Beans with round exit holes
Powdery residue in bean containers

Risks & Damage

food

Infested beans are riddled with holes and contaminated with frass.

Prevention Tips

1.Store dried beans in sealed containers
2.Freeze beans for 48 hours after purchase
3.Inspect beans before cooking

Why DIY Treatment Often Falls Short

Larvae are hidden inside beans, protected from external treatments. Infested products must be discarded.

Professional Treatment

Discard infested products, clean storage areas, and treat shelving cracks. Fumigation for commercial bean storage.

Related Pests

Rice Weevilpantry pests

Granary Weevilpantry pests

Red Flour Beetlepantry pests

Frequently Asked Questions

Are beans with weevil holes safe to eat?

While not toxic, heavily infested beans should be discarded. A few holes in a large batch can be addressed by soaking beans in water - infested beans float and can be skimmed off.

How do weevils get in my beans?

Eggs were laid in the beans while still in the field or during storage before purchase. The larvae developed invisibly inside during storage.

Can bean weevils infest other foods?

They primarily infest legumes. They do not typically attack cereals, flour, or other pantry items.

Need Help With Bean weevil?

If you're seeing signs of bean weevil in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.

Schedule a Free Inspection Call (417) 238-0550

At a Glance

Category: Pantry Pests
Scientific Name: Acanthoscelides obtectus
Size: 2.5-3.5 mm
Color: Olive-brown to gray with darker mottled markings
Key Trait: Infests dried beans and legumes; adults emerge from stored beans leaving round exit holes.
Regions: Southeast, South Central, Midwest
Threat Level: Very Low
Risk Types: food
Seasonal Activity: Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
none
low
moderate
high
peak