Hidden kitchen threat: Tackling the notorious flour beetle
The flour beetle is a troublesome household pest that destroys food supplies in kitchens and pantries. Though less well-known than pantry moths, this beetle is equally problematic. Here's how you can effectively deal with it.
Pantry moths aren't the only pests that can wreak havoc in the kitchen. The flour beetle can also be a significant nuisance. How can you get rid of it? It's simpler than it seems.
Flour beetle - How to recognize it?
These beetles are often found in homes along with other insects, such as fruit flies and ants. The flour beetle is characterized by a small, dark brown or black body, covered with a shiny shell and delicate folds. It has wings and is resistant to cold.
Female flour beetles can lay up to 500 eggs. The white larvae can reach up to 1 inch in length, so they can easily hide in products like flour or rice. These pests destroy supplies, contaminating them with droppings and transmitting microorganisms. Consequently, consuming products they've been in contact with can lead to poisoning.
Home remedies for flour beetles
The flour beetle often enters our homes along with groceries. It's worth trying a much cheaper solution before using often expensive chemical agents to get rid of them.
Although these beetles resist cold, they stand no chance at temperatures below -13 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it's advisable to freeze products infested by them. Additionally, using sticky traps, which can be easily found in almost any garden store, is recommended.
If you want to avoid a future invasion of flour beetles, storing products like pasta, grains, or flour in tightly sealed containers as soon as you bring them home is a good idea.
