How to Get Rid of Weevils in Rice or Other Food

Weevil is a common pest found in pantries or kitchens, it’s a small beetle that can infest grains, flour, and other dry goods. They lay eggs that can lead to contamination and food waste, so make sure to act quickly to prevent widespread infestation. This pest is fortunately not harmful to humans or pets, and one of the easiest ways to get rid of it is to sift your flour in a fine-mesh strainer before using it.

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However, small eggs can still pass through with the flour and if you’re not comfortable with that, you can just throw it away. Since this option is a waste of food and money, it’s best to just prevent infestation in general by keeping your pantry clean and detecting weevils and their eggs early on. Here are 7 steps by How to House on YouTube that you can take to keep weevils away for good!

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7 Steps to Get Rid of Weevils:

• Identify the Infestation
• Dispose of Infested Foods
• Clean Your Pantry Thoroughly
• Store Food Properly
• Use Bay Leaves
• Freeze Susceptible Foods
• Regular Inspections

How to Get Rid of Weevils:

Step 1: Identify the Infestation

Identify which foods are infested, common signs that you should look out for are small holes in packaging, the presence of tiny beetles in food, or larvae and pupae around food containers.

Step 2: Dispose of Infested Foods

Immediately dispose of any infested food in a sealed plastic bag, then throw them away outside your home to prevent weevils from spreading to other pantry items.

Step 3: Clean Your Pantry Thoroughly

Empty your pantry, then vacuum all the shelves paying close attention to corners and cervices, and clean it with hot soapy water or a vinegar solution to eliminate any remaining weevils or eggs.

Step 4: Store Food Properly

To prevent future infestations, store grains, flour, and other dry goods in an airtight container. This helps keep weevils from getting into your food and contain undetected ones.

Step 5: Use Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are a natural weevil deterrent, so make sure to place a few leaves in your containers, and sprinkle some crumbled leaves in the corners of your pantry shelves.

Step 6: Freeze Susceptible Foods

Freeze grains, flour, and other dry goods for at least 48 hours before storing them in your pantry. This will kill any potential eggs or larvae in purchased goods.

Step 7: Regular Inspections

Early detection is key to preventing infestation, so regularly check your pantry for signs of weevils and rotate your stock. It’s also best to keep your pantry clean and free of crumbs and residues.

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How to Get Rid of Weevils in Rice or Other Food