Corresponding author: ropertpotgieter@gmail.com
Sitophilus oryzae can destroy 10–40 % of stored grain worldwide and routinely infests rice—the Philippines’ staple energy source. Chemical fumigants such as phosphine and methyl bromide or costly gamma-ray treatment curb the pest but risk grain quality and are impractical for small operators. Because weevils die at 40–50 °C and all life stages are eliminated at ≈49 °C within an hour, we designed a low-cost, heat-based monitoring and control system. A U-shaped tubular heating element, regulated by a thermostat to mimic sunlight intensity, warms the grain; a webcam supplies real-time visual tracking; and an SMS module notifies users the moment S. oryzae is detected. The prototype is adaptable to rice, wheat, and other grains, enabling farmers, millers, and store owners to protect large stocks without chemicals. By uniting continuous surveillance with targeted thermal disinfestation, the system offers an eco-friendly, scalable solution that can markedly reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen food security.