How to Get Rid of Flour Bugs or Pantry Weevils in Your Pantry
If you’ve ever found tiny black bugs crawling around in your flour, rice, or other dried goods, you’ve probably encountered flour bugs, also known as pantry weevils. These pests are particularly pesky. They’re small and difficult to spot, and they can lay hundreds of eggs at a time. Fortunately, getting rid of flour bugs is relatively easy—it just requires a bit of patience and some elbow grease. Read on for our tips on how to get rid of flour bugs in your pantry and keep them out for good.
Step 1: Inspect All Packages of Dried Goods:
The first step in getting rid of flour bugs is to inspect all of the packages of dried goods in your pantry, including any that are unopened. Flour bugs can enter sealed packages through tiny holes or cracks. If a package doesn’t appear to be damaged, it may still be infested. Any packages that contain even one bug should be thrown away immediately. If you’re not sure whether a package is infested, err on the side of caution and throw it away as well. Better safe than sorry!
Step 2: Clean Your Pantry Thoroughly
Once you’ve gotten rid of all the infested packages, it’s time to give your pantry a good cleaning. Start by removing everything from the shelves and wiping them down with a damp cloth. Then, vacuum the floor and any other surfaces with a hand-held vacuum or Shop-Vac. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag (or canister) into an outside garbage bin when you’re finished so that the bugs don’t end up back in your pantry.
Step 3: Repel Future Infestations of Pantry Weevils
The best way to keep flour bugs out of your pantry is to prevent them from getting in in the first place. There are a few steps you can take to accomplish this:
-Keep your pantry as clean as possible by sweeping up crumbs and spills promptly and wiping down surfaces regularly.
-Inspect all packages of dried goods before bringing them into your home. Discard any that show signs of damage or infestation.
-Store dried goods in airtight containers—sealed plastic bags or containers work well. Check them periodically for signs of infestation.
-If you suspect that your home may already be infested, contact a professional exterminator. They can help get rid of pests.
By taking these precautions, you’ll be able to rest assured knowing that your pantry is bug-free!
Pantry weevils—also known as flour bugs—are small black insects that can infest packaged dry goods like flour, cereal, rice, and pasta. Although they’re not harmful to humans, they can contaminate food and ruin entire pantries’ worth of supplies. If you think you may have flour bugs in your home, don’t panic! With a little effort, you can get rid of them for good. Just follow these three simple steps: inspect all packages of dried goods; clean your pantry thoroughly; and repel future infestations by keeping it clean and storing food properly.