Bugs in seeds -) will freezing work?

17 years ago

Apparently a batch of small flying insects - rather flea-like in appearance and size - arrived with one of the seed trades I have recently received. They don't bite, and there are not many at this point, but I don't want them turning into a swarm for Christmas. I think I have heard that freezing will kill any bugs and eggs (so they don't hatch new ones). Can someone confirm this and any details? Like how long do they need to be in the freeze - should it be freezer rather than refrigerator temp -

I'm planning to take ALL my seeds now, including my own which had not previously been a problem, and put them in bunches in zip-locks and into the freezer. Will this do the trick?

Thanks for any info...

Sue

Featured Answer

remy_gw

17 years ago

Hi Sue,
Freezing will kill the bugs. I'm not sure if you got bugs that hitched a ride or actual weevils which damage seeds. Weevils lay eggs in the seeds. The eggs hatch they eat their way out of the seed.
To kill weevils, a week in the freezer is fine. For large seeds like beans though, make sure they are completely dry or you will kill them. Beans can be tested for dryness by hitting with a hammer on your driveway or other hard surface outside. If they smush, they are not dry enough. If they shatter,they are dry.
If you put in an air tight container(glass/plastic) in the freezer, let the container come to room temp before opening. You will kill all the seeds otherwise. Since it is only for a week, I just put an envelope in the freezer so I don't need to worry about that. Long term freezer storage would of course need a better container than an envelope.

You do not need to put all your seeds in the freezer. Well, all the seed you received since it doesn't sound like you are sure which exact seed is the source should be frozen.
For the rest of your seed, you don't need to freeze everything. Seed weevils are very plant specific, bean weevils eat only beans, hollyhock weevils eat only hollyhocks, etc. Most people don't run into them very often since there is only a select group of weevils that are common to the home gardener. Bean and Hollyhocks are the most common seed to get infested.
You can of course freeze all your seeds, but remember they must be completely dry before freezing, and let them sit at room temp before opening after freezing. If you trade often, taking them out of the freezer and waiting for room temp can be a pain. If it is for something you only take out in the spring, then it isn't much of a hassle.
Remy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

User
Original Author
17 years ago
Remy, thanks for the info. I'm pretty sure they are not weevils. I really don't have beans, and I haven't seen any in the hollyhock or hibiscus seeds. They do fly quickly, kind of like fruit flies, but not quick enough to avoid getting caught - but they are not where fruit flies usually hang out. I suppose they could be fungus gnats. I'm going to do the freezing anyway, just to make sure. I have inspected all my houseplants and I don't see any evidence of pests there.
Related Professionals
Indianapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Auburn Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Brooklyn Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cleveland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Milwaukee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Los Angeles Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Miami Landscape Contractors · Aiken Landscape Contractors · Lawrence Landscape Contractors · Burlington Landscape Contractors · Salem Landscape Contractors · Gary Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Harrisburg Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Lancaster Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Idaho Falls Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures
dorisl
17 years ago
I found some bugs in my own envelope of some redbud tree seeds. I left the envy out on the patio for a few days. It definitely froze out there. When I brought the envy back in and eventually opened it, there were more bugs in it.

Personally, Id rather throw the seeds out rather than putting buggy seeds in my freezer. The bugs goon me out. Not to mention that if hubby found out I was freezing bugs, Id prolly have to throw the whole fridge out and replace it! He's even more goonier than me!

:)
D

:)
remy_gw
17 years ago
Lol Doris! I'm not sure if my husband knows I'm freezing hollyhock seeds to kill the weevils or not... well he was an eagle scout so I suppose he's ok with it, lol. You don't need to put them in the freezer if they give you the heebie jeebies, but anyone wanting to save hollyhocks or beans is probably going to have to overcome their squeamishness or buy an extra freezer just for seeds, lol.

I should clarify. Putting seeds outside when it is below 32 is not going to work. To kill weevils, it actually takes 3 whole days at zero. Since sustained temps at or near zero aren't going to happen to most people, a home freezer needs to be used. The week in the freezer is because not all home fridges run that cold all the time so extra time is added on to make sure the bugs die.
Remy
Yolanda
11 years ago
I have read that putting a few dried super-hot peppers in with your seeds helps, too, if the container is air-tight. The fumes hurt the bugs. Clove powder certainly works to keep ants away !
Betty Hatch
9 years ago
I found many bugs in my Hibiscus seeds This was the first article I found that explained what was happening. I had a feeling that the bugs somehow where inside the seed. So, does this mean my seeds will not sprout?
chervil2
9 years ago
Check through your seed carefully to assess the level of damage. You may still have many viable seeds. If you are not ready to plant yet, you can arrest the insect damage by placing the seed packet in the freezer.
zeedman Zone 5 Wisconsin
9 years ago
Ditto. Even if you find bugs in a batch of seed, some of the seed may still be viable. As already mentioned, freezing will kill both seed-eating insects, and their eggs. It needs to be a deep freeze, though, about 0 F. degrees. Most refrigerator iceboxes will not get cold enough.

I have twice received infested bean seed (once from a commercial source!) and both times, several days in a deep freeze completely eliminated the weevils. As a preventive measure, I quarantine any newly received seed in a zip lock bag, until I know it is clean.