The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a tropical stored-product pest that thrives in Arizona's hot climate, making it more common here than in cooler states. It attacks dried cowpeas (black-eyed peas), mung beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes. Like the bean weevil, cowpea weevil larvae develop entirely inside individual bean seeds — females lay eggs on the surface of dried beans, and larvae bore inside to feed and develop. Adults are small (2.5–4mm), reddish-brown with dark spots on the wing covers, and can fly. A single female can lay 80–100 eggs in her lifetime, and the life cycle can complete in as little as 3 weeks at Arizona summer temperatures.

Controlling cowpea weevils in Arizona requires discarding all infested legume products and thoroughly cleaning pantry shelves. Inspect all dried beans, lentils, and peas for adult weevils, exit holes, or frass. Discard infested products in sealed bags outside the home. Store all dried legumes in airtight glass or hard plastic containers. Freezing dried legumes for 72 hours before storage kills any eggs or larvae present. Because cowpea weevils can fly, check adjacent rooms and cabinets for adults. Pheromone traps are available for Callosobruchus weevils and can help monitor for re-infestation.

Cowpea weevils are year-round pests in Arizona and are particularly common in homes that purchase dried legumes in bulk from international markets, where the pest is endemic. If you find cowpea weevils in multiple pantry items or in rooms outside the kitchen, a professional inspection is recommended. Pest Control Bros LLC provides stored-product pest control throughout Maricopa, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, and Casa Grande. Call (520) 424-5244 for a free inspection.