Nightmare in the pantry: Woman's ‘haunting’ discovery prompts extreme response
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When it comes to the sanctity of our kitchens, there's nothing quite as unsettling as the discovery of unwanted guests.
For one woman named Nicole, the nightmare became a reality when she found her pantry had been invaded by a swarm of tiny bugs, and led her to turn her once orderly food haven into a scene of chaos.
Nicole's drastic response to the infestation was to empty her entire pantry as she shared footage of her kitchen surfaces buried under jars and food items.
The source of her dismay? Her plastic jars of red pepper flakes and oats were teeming with what she described as 'millions' of small bugs.
'We had to empty everything out of our pantry,' she lamented. 'What kind of bug is this [and] why are there 500 million of them in our red pepper flakes—[they're] terrorising me.'
‘Does anyone have any idea what this is? This is gonna haunt my dreams,’ she added.
Dr Tom White, an entomologist, spoke about Nicole's predicament.
While he couldn't pinpoint the exact species without seeing them, he suggested that they were likely a type of beetle commonly referred to as flour or biscuit weevils.
These critters are notorious for infiltrating our cupboards and feasting on poorly sealed foods.
The revelation that weevils could thrive in something as spicy as chilli flakes may come as a surprise to many, but Dr White clarified that while it's not their preferred environment, some weevils are not deterred by the heat and will infest any accessible food source.
The term 'weevil' is often used to describe various beetles found in our pantries, but as Dr White explained, the creatures we commonly call flour weevils and biscuit weevils are actually different types of beetles altogether.
‘“Weevil” is one of those common names that is used for very different groups of beetles, [though] true weevils belong to a single family and have a characteristic long snout,’ he explained.
‘They’re both often lumped together as “weevils”,’ Dr White said.
In Australia, home to over 4,110 species of weevils, these pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can wreak havoc in agriculture and homes alike.
The good news is that if you accidentally consume one, they don't pose a health threat. But let's be honest, no one wants to find out they've been dining on weevils.
To prevent these critters from taking over your pantry, cleanliness and proper food storage are key.
Ensure that all food containers are tightly sealed and that your pantry is kept clean. If you do find yourself facing an infestation, it's crucial to act swiftly.
Identify and dispose of the most heavily affected products to stop the spread.
One social media user shared a tip: ‘I put a bay leaf in all my pasta, rice, flour, etc. I have not had a weevil since, in anything!’
You can watch Nicole’s video here:
Source: @iamahoneybeeblog/TikTok
For those dealing with a minor infestation, the Department of Primary Industries in Western Australia suggests treating small quantities of food by heating it in the oven for at least an hour at temperatures between 55-60 degrees Celsius, which will kill the insects.
Alternatively, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries recommends freezing the food for 48 hours to eradicate any eggs, larvae, or adult insects lurking within.
Have you been affected by weevils before? Do you have tips on keeping the pantry pest-free? We'd love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below!
For one woman named Nicole, the nightmare became a reality when she found her pantry had been invaded by a swarm of tiny bugs, and led her to turn her once orderly food haven into a scene of chaos.
Nicole's drastic response to the infestation was to empty her entire pantry as she shared footage of her kitchen surfaces buried under jars and food items.
The source of her dismay? Her plastic jars of red pepper flakes and oats were teeming with what she described as 'millions' of small bugs.
Nicole discovered bugs in some of her pantry staples. Image source: @iamahoneybeeblog/TikTok
'We had to empty everything out of our pantry,' she lamented. 'What kind of bug is this [and] why are there 500 million of them in our red pepper flakes—[they're] terrorising me.'
‘Does anyone have any idea what this is? This is gonna haunt my dreams,’ she added.
Dr Tom White, an entomologist, spoke about Nicole's predicament.
While he couldn't pinpoint the exact species without seeing them, he suggested that they were likely a type of beetle commonly referred to as flour or biscuit weevils.
These critters are notorious for infiltrating our cupboards and feasting on poorly sealed foods.
Dr White shared that the insects Nicole found in her pantry were likely flour or biscuit weevils. Image source: Unsplash
The revelation that weevils could thrive in something as spicy as chilli flakes may come as a surprise to many, but Dr White clarified that while it's not their preferred environment, some weevils are not deterred by the heat and will infest any accessible food source.
The term 'weevil' is often used to describe various beetles found in our pantries, but as Dr White explained, the creatures we commonly call flour weevils and biscuit weevils are actually different types of beetles altogether.
‘“Weevil” is one of those common names that is used for very different groups of beetles, [though] true weevils belong to a single family and have a characteristic long snout,’ he explained.
‘They’re both often lumped together as “weevils”,’ Dr White said.
In Australia, home to over 4,110 species of weevils, these pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can wreak havoc in agriculture and homes alike.
The good news is that if you accidentally consume one, they don't pose a health threat. But let's be honest, no one wants to find out they've been dining on weevils.
To prevent these critters from taking over your pantry, cleanliness and proper food storage are key.
Ensure that all food containers are tightly sealed and that your pantry is kept clean. If you do find yourself facing an infestation, it's crucial to act swiftly.
Identify and dispose of the most heavily affected products to stop the spread.
One social media user shared a tip: ‘I put a bay leaf in all my pasta, rice, flour, etc. I have not had a weevil since, in anything!’
You can watch Nicole’s video here:
Source: @iamahoneybeeblog/TikTok
For those dealing with a minor infestation, the Department of Primary Industries in Western Australia suggests treating small quantities of food by heating it in the oven for at least an hour at temperatures between 55-60 degrees Celsius, which will kill the insects.
Alternatively, the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries recommends freezing the food for 48 hours to eradicate any eggs, larvae, or adult insects lurking within.
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, my children...not the moths! 
They are on to them..(getting there slowly, as both my children have disabilities also. ) Thank you for the advice 
