How to Start a Bean Weevil Culture

Purchase a number of bean weevils from a reputable source. Although it is possible to find bean weevils in the wild, it is much simpler to purchase a starter culture, which is a number of weevils or beans with eggs in them, from a dealer. Bean weevils are not often found in stores, but can be purchased from a variety of sources on the Internet.

Line a jar or other container, such as a plastic box, with beans. Bean weevils need these beans in order to lay their eggs. The weevils seem to prefer black-eyed beans or mung beans. The layer of beans should be 1 to 2 inches thick. The weevils have no problem borrowing into dry beans, so don't cook or soak them.

Refrain from placing any other food or water in the container. The young bean weevils will eat the beans they emerge from, and the adult bean weevils do not eat. Neither young nor older weevils require water.

Create a secure lid for the weevil container. Bean weevils can fly, and will attempt to escape from an improperly sealed container. Either punch several tiny holes in the original lid of the container, or cover the top of the container with fine mesh. Secure the mesh tightly with a rubber band.

Separate a large weevil culture into two or three cultures so that you can rotate them, always having at least one culture available for use while the other grows more weevils.

Dispose of any dead adult weevils every week. Adult bean weevils live for only one to two weeks, and any weevils that died before being used as feed can contaminate the culture. Remove the dead weevils by emptying the culture into a colander with holes that are smaller than the beans but bigger than the weevils. Shake the colander. Dead weevils will fall through. The beans, with the weevil's eggs in them, will remain. Place the egg-laden beans back into the culture jar.