How can I get rid of flour weevils?

Question

I swear I am not an unclean person, and I don't consider my kitchen unclean. That being said, does anyone else have experience with these kitchen bugs? What are they? How harmful are they? Should I just keep everything in plastic containers from now on?

The first bugs I found, they're little black roundish ones, I'd seen them before, they infested my self-rising flour, which I hardly ever use. My mom told me to keep all my flour in the fridge, because the bugs actually *hatch out* of the flour, but keeping it cold will slow the process. I don't know how true that is.

I started seeing these bugs on my counter, and traced them to a box of barley I bought at least a year ago and barely used. They'd actually eaten little holes in the box. Doesn't look like they got into anything else.

While I was checking everything (*everything!*), I opened my cornmeal, which I haven't used in forever either... it was full of a new bug I'd never see

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The flour at my grandmother's house used to get those, too. She'd use the flour anyway (gross!!). The bugs don't actually hurt anything, but GROSS!! Anyway, there are some very easy ways to prevent getting weevils and other bugs in flour, etc. First of all, go through and throw out any infested items. If you use a flour canister or other container, empty it and disinfect it. If you have some flour that isn't currently infested, put it in the freezer. This will kill any eggs, etc. Thoroughly clean all the shelves the boxes were on. When you buy new bags/boxes of cornmeal, flour, etc. put each one into its own ziploc bag until you're sure the infestation has been eradicated.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Than you very much for taking the time to help me !

Answer 2

Weed killer. You can buy them anywhere in a spray.

Answer 3

You might be able to sift the flour to remove the little critters, but to be safe, you should probably toss the box and buy a new one.

Answer 4

My mom taught me to keep the flour in a sealed container like a bucket or large Tupperware. and i have not had a problem. good luck weavels are ugly little critters.

Answer 5

Clear out everything with grain or meal and start over....once something is opened, bust out the tupperware. You can also microwave newly oped things for a few seconds to kill any eggs that might be present from the grocery store warehouse.

Answer 6

Flour, mixes, cereal, spices and dried fruit are susceptible to infestation with beetles, weevils and moths even in the cleanest kitchens. They enter the product before you even bring them home. A few weevils can be sifted out but if heavily infested discard the product. They are not harmful but will spread to other dry foods if not cleaned properly. To get rid of an infestation, remove all foods from the infected area and was thoroughly. Vacuum cracks and other hard to reach corners. Place all foods in tightly closed containers. Plastic bags that vacuum seal, jars with tight fitting lids and spices in a bottle are helpful ways to keep your foods weevil-free.

Answer 7

Yes, I know what you are talking about. To get rid of them you are going to have to throw out all that stuff and start all over. Put your flour and cornmeal and other items like that in your freezer. It doesn't affect anything. They get in to pasta, rice, etc.........Throw it all out. They eat holes through plastic and cardboard, so if it's not in can THROW IT OUT! Check your spices too, they love those!

Answer 8

throw it all out it is no good and clean ever thing they can get in too your bed

Answer 9

To keep them away, place a piece of spearmint gum in your flour or oats or wherever you get them. That will keep them away, so I'm sure that it will get rid of them too.

Answer 10

Put all of those items in a sealed plastic container. You can just put your flour in a sealed plastic container and put it back in the cabinet. As long as the bugs can't get to it than your ok. I would also recommend that you pull all the food out of your cabinets and go through everything to see if you have any bugs. If you do just throw it away. Than put everything like flour and barley and other items in sealed plastic containers.

Source(s):

I had this same problem before.

Answer 11

The little critters actually do come with the product, so cleaning and sealing everything up is only as good as how many remain in the bag or box. I'd suggest the same as the others above, however, I'd also remind you to buy the smallest necessary package of the items you use only in a blue moon, and when you do, mark it with the date of purchase. Good ideas for storage above, but at least you'll know with a quick look on the outside what you'll likely find INSIDE.

Good luck!

Answer 12

This is the reason they have bleached flower! And it is not you they were in the grain when you bought it.