What are the little black bugs that get in my flour and my pasta,etc?need to prevent and get rid of them.

Question

What are the little black bugs that get in my flour and my pasta,etc?need to prevent and get rid of them.

Answer 1

thebassistsgirlfriend's correct. Products are typically contaminated when you receive them but usually one is the primary culprit that has caused all the contamination of the others.  Call a exterminator, one of the best products for this is an insect growth regulator labeled for these "pantry pests" (or "spp" stored product pests) Throw out the contaminated products, vacuum, clean out cabinets in the area, then have exterminator apply and adulticide (pesticide), and an IGR such as gentrol, precor, or nylar. This will usually give you approx 3 months of control depending on what kind of product pest it is.  

Answer 2

Weevils?

Beetles?

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/home/e300...

This article has pictures, descriptions and control for all sorts of flour bugs.

Answer 3

Those are grain weevils, and they generally crop up in bags of pasta and flours that have been left open, which is why you should always store these things in an airtight container . . . simply closing the box or rolling the bag shut does not work.  Unfortunately, once they show up, it's time to start pitching things out, because they spread extremely quickly.

You might have to consult an exterminator to get rid of them all, but generally they already tend to be in the things you bring home -- even sealed packages.  You can cut down on the risk of a re-infestation by getting some simple plastic storage containers with snapping lids to keep air and bugs out.  Glad Storage Containers will work just fine.  If you can't find something with an airtight seal, then get a ziploc bag, put the items in, and then put the closed bag in a container.  Most grains and flour can be frozen as well.

Be sure and go through all of your pantry, because if they're in one thing, they'll likely be everywhere else.  They eat all types of grain, AND each other.

Answer 4

~~They sound like weevils and if you don't keep your flour and pasta in airtight containers, then store them in the refrigerator.  Tupperware containers are the very best form of protection. You should just just toss out anything they got into, then wash your cabinets down well with warm soapy water. Some people say a bay leaf in these items will deter them, but I haven't personally tried it. I just keep everything floury in Tupperware and I have no problems.~~  

Answer 5

Just an FYI for the bachelors that don't check the pantry for many moons at a time... those flour bugs WILL eat through Tupperware.  If you ever get or buy used Tupperware, look for pinholes.