Mites in flour

whitesatin

I have a cupboard where I keep my flour, sugar and other dry goods. It is on the opposite side of the kitchen from the oven but next to one of the fridges so not sure it is might be a bit warm from that.

Anyway, I went to make a cake today but when I opened the flour bag (already been opened), there were some little grey mites in it. Yuk! I don't think, from looking at images online, they are weevils but not sure. I am going to get rid of everything in that cupboard that is not sealed, clean it thoroughly and start afresh.

I know I should only buy flour when I know I am going to use it but I do bake on a whim so like to have a supply of each kind in, just in case. I understand that flour could possibly already have such things in it when you buy it (heaven knows how many I must have eaten over the years) and that I would have to still check before I use it each time but what I wondered is, what would be the best kind of storage containers to keep the mites out (or in should they already be there)?

I am looking at lock 'n' lock type containers and trying to source them as cheaply as possible but are there any other ways to minimise the risk of getting mites?

I read somewhere to put a new bag of flour into a freezer bag and freeze it for 4 days to kill off any eggs, then defrost and use as normal. But I don't want to eat dead eggs!

I am getting a bit paranoid, I think, over what is probably an every day problem but any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Myser

Have a read of this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/267932

whitesatin

Thanks, Myser. I don't feel so alone now!

So, if I freeze it, put into airtight containers, put some bay leaves, cloves and a box of matches in the cupboard, I will be fine, lol.

I still don't like the idea of freezing the eggs in the flour, mind you, you would still be eating them, dead or alive.

I think I will skip the freezing, decant into airtight containers, check it often and, above all, use it up quickly if it seems fine.

Now I also need to think about rice, past, cereals etc. etc.

Maybe I should buy shares in airtight container company.

Thanks again though, I found your link very informative.

Myser

I think the key is to store the flour in an airtight container and somewhere cool.

The bugs thrive in warm conditions!

cootuk

You don't want to know what you eat in breakfast cerial then...