Bugs in cereals are not a death sentence.
The problem is that most people store bulk products in inappropriate containers.
Pour flour, rice or buckwheat into glass jars with airtight lids. Put a bay leaf, a clove of garlic or dried lemon zest at the bottom of each - their smell repels pests.
Never store cereals in bags or plastic containers - they do not provide sufficient protection from moisture and oxygen, which create an ideal environment for insects.
How to store cereals
Before pouring into jars, wipe them from the inside with a cloth soaked in vinegar - this will kill possible bacteria. For cereals that you rarely use, put an open pack of salt in the cupboard: it will absorb excess moisture.
To prevent infestation, buy cereals in transparent packaging so you can see if there are any insects inside.
Once a month, sort through your supplies and wipe down the cupboard shelves with a solution of water and tea tree oil (10 drops per litre). And if you put a metal spoon in a jar of cereal, it will slow down oxidation and rancidity.
To store flour for a long time, add a couple of bay leaves to it and store it in the refrigerator. If the cereals start to smell musty, roast them in a dry frying pan for 3-5 minutes.
If you bought cereals in bulk, wash them and dry them in the oven at 50°C before storing. And to quickly find the right jar, stick stickers with the names and dates of storage on them.
If bugs have penetrated into cereals, do not rush to throw away the products. Spread cereals with small grains (for example, semolina) in a thin layer on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 70°C for 15 minutes. Then pour into a clean jar.
How to buy cereals
It is important not only to store cereals correctly, but also to follow the rules for buying them. Always check the expiration date on the packaging - expired products are more often affected by pests.
Do not buy cereals with damaged packaging or traces of moisture inside. If you buy goods by weight, smell them: a musty smell is a sign of mold or larvae. After buying, examine the cereal in daylight: bugs often hide in the corners of the package.
To prevent infestation, regularly ventilate your kitchen cabinets. Humidity above 60% is an ideal environment for insects, so use dehumidifiers or silica gel bags.
If you have houseplants in your home, do not place them near cereals - the soil may contain larvae. Once every six months, review all supplies: throw out expired ones and pour cereals into new jars.
Remember that bugs can hide not only in cereals, but also in animal feed, dried flowers or decorative grain elements. Keep such items separate from food products.
In case of a large-scale infestation, when the bugs have spread throughout the entire closet, use traps. Mix equal parts of sugar and boric acid, sprinkle the mixture on papers and place them in the corners. It is safe for people, but deadly for insects.
After treatment, thoroughly wash the cabinets with vinegar and ventilate the room. Remember: cleanliness and tightness are the main enemies of bugs. Following these tips, you will forget about the problem forever.
Author: Irina Tint
