Is it normal to find bugs in flour?

Is it normal to find bugs in flour?

They’re harmless! If you notice weevils getting down-and-dirty in your flour after you’ve already used it, try not to panic. Baking kills eggs and hatched weevils before they ever make it to your mouth, so the chances you’ve been eating live flour bugs are pretty slim.

How did weevils get in my flour?

The female beetle deposits eggs into food or into crevices in food packages. The larvae hatch and make their way into the product to eat. Many people find these larvae in the flour and call them “weevils.” Hence, the name “flour weevils.”

Where do pantry weevils come from?

Weevils enter the home through outside sources. Some may exist in the dry food you buy at the grocery store, while others can enter your home through cracks and holes in your walls or windows.

How do you keep weevils out of flour?

Prevent Grain Weevils

1. Inspect all grains upon purchase.
2. Freeze grains for at least 1 week (or store permanently in the freezer) to kill any eggs.
3. Buy grains in small quantities and eat within a reasonable period of time.
4. Store grains in tightly sealed glass, metal, or sturdy plastic containers (not bags).

How do weevils get in flour?

What should you do if a packet of flour has been infested by weevils?

What can you do to get rid of them?

1. Inspect all stored foods to find and dispose of anything the weevils have been feeding on.
2. Remove all foods (even those not infested) from the pantry.
3. Vacuum the shelves (both top and bottom) and surrounding floor, paying close attention to edges and corners of shelves.

What kind of bugs are in my flour?

If you have found bugs in your flour, you likely have a lot of questions. But first, it’s important to identify which pantry pest you’re dealing with. One of the most common types of bugs that infest pantry foods are weevils.

Why are there brown beetles in my flour?

Although pantry pests can fly, they usually like to stay near their food source. If you’ve noticed small reddish brown beetles, weevils, in your flour, they may also be in other foods in your pantry. You should also check for weevils near your pet’s food dishes since this may be their source of food.

What’s the best way to get rid of flour bugs?

The best way to get rid of grain or flour beetles is to throw away all infested food products. Then, vacuum and wash your shelves. These beetles are particularly attracted to broken down pieces of food, so they could be living in a package at the back of your pantry.

What kind of bugs are in your pantry?

One of the most common types of bugs that infest pantry foods are weevils. Weevils are tiny beetles less than an eighth of an inch long. While people sometimes call any beetle that they find in their pantry a weevil, these pests mostly feed on whole grains instead of processed products.