How did weevils get in my pantry?

Weevils generally gain entry into your home through purchased containers of whole-grain cereal products that have been infested at food processing and packaging centers. Once in your home, weevils can spread to whatever cereal grains are available to them.

How do you get rid of a weevil infestation?

  1. STEP 1: Get rid of any unsealed food. By the time you spot weevils, odds are they’ve infested other nearby food items. …
  2. STEP 2: Freeze salvageable pantry goods to kill weevil larvae. …
  3. STEP 3: Remove everything from your cabinets and vacuum them. …
  4. STEP 4: Clean your shelves thoroughly.

Will weevils go away on their own?

Weevils inside homes

When weevils are found indoors, physically remove them with a vacuum or broom and dust pan. Pesticides are not effective or necessary. These weevils are harmless and temporary and will go away on their own. Their numbers can vary from year to year.

Will vinegar get rid of weevils?

White vinegar is also known to kill pesky pantry weevils. After rinsing your shelves with soapy water, wipe them down with white vinegar to prevent a future infestation from occurring. Removing weevils from your pantry is an extensive process.

Can weevils get into airtight containers?

Airtight containers are designed to keep your food fresh and eliminate the risk of pantry pests. So, it’s almost impossible for weevils to enter a high-quality airtight container. If you notice any bugs appear in your airtight container, it’s likely there were already microscopic weevil eggs in your food.

What do weevils hate?

Cloves and bay leaves act as natural repellents to weevils. Place a few bay leaves in your dried food containers to ward off these pests, and position several cloves of garlic around your pantry and kitchen to deter these bugs from making a home in your pantry. White vinegar is also known to kill pesky pantry weevils.

What home remedy kills weevils?

Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils. Clean any unaffected items such as cans or containers before returning them to the pantry.

What spray kills weevils?

To kill weevils for real, treat them with Ortho® Insect, Mite & Disease 3-in-1 or Ortho® BugClearâ„¢ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes. Be sure to always follow the label directions. Grain weevils are harmless to people, so they’re more of a nuisance than a threat.

Do bay leaves repel weevils?

Since Bay Leaves give a strong tangy smell, it somehow is able to repel small pests and other tiny organisms such as Weevils. This is a common natural repellant that is used when dealing with pests such as Weevils. All you have to do is put Bay Leaves on the grain and flour containers in order to keep the bugs away.

Should I throw away rice with weevils?

If you do find weevils in your rice, discard the product immediately. Examine other grains in your pantry, as well as seeds, nuts, dried beans, cereals and dried corn. If they have traces of bugs, your best choice is to throw them out as well. This helps eradicate your infestation.

Can weevils make you sick?

The truth is, weevils are NOT harmful to humans. Accidentally eating them along with your food does not cause any ill effects. What could happen is that they can simply add a different crunch to your food when eaten, something unpalatable even? Food would also not look appealing at all with some weevils as garnishing.

What can you put in flour to keep bugs out?

Vacuum the shelves, then use white vinegar, hot soapy water, or a natural cleaning spray to give it all a good wipe-down before replacing your salvaged dry food. Storing your flour, sugar, cereals, and other grains in proper storage containers helps keep the flour bugs at bay.

Why do people put bay leaves in their cabinets?

Years ago, in the midst of a moth infestation, we read that bay leaves repel pantry insects. Everyone from beetles to weevils, moths, cockroaches, ants, and flies is said to hate the herb’s fragrance. The leaves can be placed in containers of flour, rice, and other dry goods, or taped inside cupboards and shelves.

Can weevils live in clothes?

Weevils will readily feed on cotton fabric found in furniture and clothing. Since they love dried flowers and plants, decorative ornaments found in the home such are wreathes and dried flower arrangements can harbor and feed local populations.

How do you store flour for years?

You can leave your flour in its original bag, but for long-term storage, it’s best to move it to an air-tight container that can protect against smells (flour will absorb odors) and liquids from the freezer walls.

Does all flour have weevils?

A widespread and common insect, weevils can be commonly found in flour, rice, or cornmeal. There are different types of common weevils: rice weevils, vine weevils, wheat or flour weevils, and cowpea weevils.

How do you remove weevils from flour?

As soon as you bring flour home, seal it inside a freezer bag and put it in the freezer for at least 1 week. This will kill any eggs or weevils that are already in the flour. You can then take the flour out and store it in your pantry in an airtight, hard container or just keep it in the freezer until you need it.

Why is flour sold in paper bags?

The reason flour is in paper bag (either 1kg/2lbs bags from supermarkets, or 25kg for bakeries) is to let it “breath”: to get it oxidized. If you see an old (vintage) bag it’s made of a net that lets a lot of air to get in. Today those bags are not used because it also allows bugs to get in.

How do you vacuum seal flour for long term storage?

How do you stockpile flour?

Is it better to store flour in glass or plastic?

The easiest way to keep your flour fresh and prevent little bugs from getting in is to transfer your flour to an airtight plastic or glass container. “Bugs love food, especially healthy whole grain foods, and if they can find a way in, they’re going for it!” says Chef Sarah House of Bob’s Red Mill.

Should flour be refrigerated after opening?

For long-term storage, use these food storage methods: Refrigerator: Store flour in an airtight container—such as a glass jar, plastic container, or an airtight plastic bag—to prevent an increase in moisture content. White flour can last up to one year in the refrigerator, and whole grain flour will last six months.