Most of us have opened a cupboard door to find an unexpected visitor or two lurking among the groceries. But what happened to one Brisbane mum this week has left social media users genuinely shaken—and reaching straight for their own pantry doors to double-check what's hiding inside.
The discovery that sparked a thousand shudders
Taking to social media with a desperate plea for help, the Brisbane mum shared a photograph that would make even the most hardened homemaker wince.
What was once a bag of large shell pasta had transformed into something that looked more like a science experiment gone wrong—writhing with tiny brown insects and reduced to what she described as 'brown mush and creepy crawlies.'
'Help, I can't deal with weevils. They're all year round up here,' she wrote. 'I must have forgotten all about my large shells... These days any open pasta goes straight to the fridge. I didn't know an unopened one wouldn't be spared by weevils.'
The response was immediate and visceral. One shocked commenter declared: 'I've never seen anything like that in my life,' while others admitted feeling genuinely freaked out by the extent of the infestation.
'I've lived in Brisbane since 2019 and I've never had any issues and didn't even know this was a thing? A bit freaked out rn'
Meet the uninvited guests: understanding weevils
Before you start frantically checking your own cupboards, it's worth understanding exactly what we're dealing with. The most common pests we find in Australian pantries are Indian meal moths and grain/rice weevils, and they're far more common than most of us realise.
There are more than 1,000 weevil species worldwide, and they range in size from 3mm to 10mm in length. Grain weevils attack hard cereal products such as macaroni and spaghetti, whilst rice weevils attack grain and seeds.
Indian meal moth larvae can be found in grain products as well as dried fruits, nuts, biscuits, chocolate and even dry dog food.
What makes weevils particularly insidious is their breeding habits. The female lays her eggs inside grain kernels by creating a small hole, depositing her egg, and then sealing it. It's a process she'll sometimes repeat hundreds of times.
Once they hatch, the larvae begin eating their surroundings and spend their entire larval and pupal stages inside the grain. By the time they eat their way out, they've already matured and are ready to destroy even more grain [6].
Spotting weevil trouble in your pantry
Fine dust inside or outside food containers
Small holes in packaging where weevils have burrowed through
Thin brown 'shells' which are actually insect remains
Holes in individual kernels of rice, corn, or grains
Tiny moving specks in your dry goods
Silken threads in starchy foods (a sign of egg-laying)
The good news about health risks
If you're worried about accidentally eating weevils, here's some reassuring news from health experts. Weevils are not harmful to humans, pets, houses, furniture, or clothing and don't carry any diseases. They are temporary nuisance pests that damage stored food products.
As one Australian pest expert puts it: 'Believe it or not you've probably eaten a few of these common pantry pests in the past—but don't panic—they won't harm you!'
While they're not dangerous, they are certainly a nuisance — they contaminate food with their faeces and cast skins, which makes whole packages or even pantries of food inedible.
Food safety authorities note that you're unlikely to get sick if you eat flour with a few 'weevils' in it, though most of us would prefer to avoid the experience altogether.
Why Australia's climate makes weevil problems worse
Living in Australia's warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for weevil infestations. Weevils are attracted to warm, moist environments. They emerge in late spring and seek shelter in the hot, dry months of June and July, looking for places to reproduce and lay their eggs.
This can happen multiple times over the course of a year, so with only a couple of grain weevils to start with, you could soon have a massive invasion on your hands. Weevils are attracted to moisture, making Australia's coastal areas particularly susceptible.
Prevention strategies that work for seniors
The key to avoiding weevil nightmares is prevention, and there are several strategies that work particularly well for older Australians who may be dealing with mobility issues or living on fixed incomes.
Smart shopping and storage
Buy dry goods in smaller quantities if possible, to prevent storing them for too long. This approach is especially practical for seniors who may not cook in large quantities. Always inspect dry goods before purchasing for open or torn packaging.
When you bring groceries home, put items that could be infested—including grains, pulses and cereals—into freezer bags, and place them into the freezer for at least four days. This freezing process kills any larvae or eggs that might already be present.
Container solutions on a budget
Store food in tightly sealed containers—these can be glass or metal with tight lids that are bug-proof. Even decanting your food into mason jars or old Moccona coffee jars will do the job if you are on a budget.
When choosing pantry containers, go for clear jars so that it will be easier to identify any weevils if they return [20]. This visual approach is particularly helpful for seniors who want to quickly spot problems without having to open multiple containers.
Natural deterrents that really work
Dried bay leaves discourage grain and rice weevil infestation, so place one in each airtight container. Some people swear by putting bay leaves in their cupboards to keep weevils away. This old-fashioned remedy is both effective and economical—perfect for pensioners looking for cost-effective solutions.
Other natural methods include placing bay leaves in your pantry due to their strong scent, and diatomaceous earth, which can kill weevils by dehydrating them when sprinkled in pantry corners and shelves.
When disaster strikes: the complete elimination process
If you've discovered an infestation like the Brisbane mum, don't panic. Here's a step-by-step approach that won't overwhelm you:
Step 1: Find the source
Finding the original source is the key to eliminating further problems and food spoilage. Until you find the source, you will continue to have pantry pests. Start by inspecting all dry food in your pantry, focusing specifically on grains, rice, flour, pasta, and even dried fruits.
Step 2: Dispose safely
Seal infested food in plastic bags before disposing of it in an outdoor bin to prevent weevils from escaping. Avoid composting contaminated grains, as the eggs and larvae can survive and spread.
Step 3: Deep clean everything
Take everything out of the pantry, give it a vacuum and wipe down all the cupboards, pantry shelves and surrounding areas. Make sure you get into every corner and crevice.
Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils. Use cleaners such as vinegar, tea tree oil or lemon to clean all of the surfaces.
Essential steps for weevil elimination
- Locate and dispose of all infested items in sealed bags
- Vacuum all pantry areas including corners and crevices
- Clean surfaces with hot soapy water followed by white vinegar
- Store remaining food in airtight glass or metal containers
- Add bay leaves to containers as natural deterrent
- Check regularly for signs of re-infestation
When to call in the professionals
If you find that your efforts are not controlling the infestation or if the problem is widespread, it may be time to seek professional pest control services. Pest control experts can provide targeted treatments and advice specific to your situation.
Professional treatment becomes particularly important for seniors who may find the physical demands of deep cleaning challenging, or for those dealing with recurring infestations despite their best efforts.
Many Australian pest control companies are family-owned operations with decades of experience and can provide professional results. They begin by inspecting your home to identify the problem areas, then develop an action plan and inform you about treatment methods and costs.
The ongoing maintenance routine
Regularly clean the pantry, clean up spills immediately and inspect pantry and dry goods for any signs of weevils. Check regularly for reappearance — it may take a while to get rid of them completely.
Regularly clean pantry cracks, crevices, and shelves. Keep food storage areas dry as weevils are attracted to moisture.
Regional considerations across Australia
Different parts of Australia face varying levels of weevil challenges. When it comes to pantry infestations, one of the biggest pests in Australia is the grain weevil. Although they are tiny in size, they can inflict a lot of damage to your packaged goods.
The Brisbane mum's comment about weevils being 'all year round up here' reflects the reality of Australia's northern climates, where warm, humid conditions create ideal breeding environments. Southern states may experience more seasonal variations, but vigilance is required year-round across the continent.
Cost-effective solutions for pensioners
Managing weevil prevention doesn't need to break the budget. Simple solutions like reusing glass jars, buying bay leaves in bulk, and purchasing smaller quantities of dry goods can significantly reduce your risk without major expense.
This thorough approach to pantry management is a job that needs doing every six months or so anyway, making it a natural part of seasonal home maintenance that many seniors already incorporate into their routines.
What This Means For You
The key takeaway from the Brisbane mum's experience? A little prevention goes a long way, and even if you do encounter weevils, they're manageable with the right approach. Regular monitoring, proper storage, and quick action can keep your pantry pest-free and your pasta exactly where it belongs—in your dinner bowl, not crawling around your cupboard.
Have you ever discovered unwanted visitors in your pantry? Share your weevil war stories and prevention tips in the comments below—your experience might just save another reader from their own pasta nightmare!
Original Article
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...d/news-story/64d116e9b109a2f8d67085b58f7fac50
How to get rid of weevils in your kitchen pantry
Cited text: The most common pests we find in our pantry here in Australia are Indian meal (or weevil) moths and grain/rice weevils.
Excerpt: One shocked commenter declared: 'I've never seen anything like that in my life,'
https://www.bhg.com.au/lifestyle/cleaning/how-to-make-your-kitchen-free-of-weevils/
How to get rid of weevils in your kitchen pantry
Cited text: There are, in fact over 60,000 species of weevils and they can range in size from 3mm to 10mm in length.
Excerpt: There are more than 1,000 weevil species worldwide, and they range in size from 3mm to 10mm in length
https://www.bhg.com.au/lifestyle/cleaning/how-to-make-your-kitchen-free-of-weevils/
Tips to Keep Dried Goods Safe from Weevils
Cited text: There are more than 1,000 species, and the most commonly found weevil in food businesses is called the “stored product weevil” because they infest sto...
Excerpt: There are more than 1,000 weevil species worldwide, and they range in size from 3mm to 10mm in length
https://blog.foodsafety.com.au/keep-dried-goods-safe-from-weevils
How to get rid of weevils in your kitchen pantry
Cited text: Grain weevils attack hard cereal products such as macaroni and spaghetti, whilst rice weevils attack grain and seeds. Indian meal moth larvae can be f...
Excerpt: Grain weevils attack hard cereal products such as macaroni and spaghetti, whilst rice weevils attack grain and seeds.
https://www.bhg.com.au/lifestyle/cleaning/how-to-make-your-kitchen-free-of-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home | Fantastic Services Australia
Cited text: The female lays her eggs inside the grain kernels. She creates a small hole, deposits her egg, and then seals it. It’s a process, which she’ll sometim...
Excerpt: The female lays her eggs inside grain kernels by creating a small hole, depositing her egg, and then sealing it.
https://fantasticservicesgroup.com.au/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home | Fantastic Services Australia
Cited text: Once they hatch, the weevil larvae begin eating their surroundings and spend the entirety of their larval and pupal stages inside the grain. By the ti...
Excerpt: Once they hatch, the larvae begin eating their surroundings and spend their entire larval and pupal stages inside the grain.
https://fantasticservicesgroup.com.au/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-weevils/
Weevils: What They Are, Health Risks, Getting Rid of Them, and More
Cited text: ... Weevils are not harmful to humans, pets, houses, furniture, or clothing and don’t carry any diseases. They are temporary nuisance pests that damag...
Excerpt: Weevils are not harmful to humans, pets, houses, furniture, or clothing and don't carry any diseases.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/weevils-what-to-know
9 signs you have evil weevils in your pantry! | Little Aussie Communities
Cited text: Believe it or not you’ve probably eaten a few of these common pantry pests in the past—but don’t panic—they won’t harm you!
Excerpt: As one Australian pest expert puts it: 'Believe it or not you've probably eaten a few of these common pantry pests in the past—but don't panic—they won't harm you!'
https://www.littleaussie.com.au/post/signs-of-weevils-in-pantry
Tips to Keep Dried Goods Safe from Weevils—Food Safety Blog
Cited text: While they’re not dangerous, they are certainly a nuisance — they contaminate food with their faeces and cast skins, which makes whole packages or eve...
Excerpt: While they're not dangerous, they are certainly a nuisance — they contaminate food with their faeces and cast skins, which makes whole packages or even pantries of food inedible
https://blog.foodsafety.com.au/keep-dried-goods-safe-from-weevils
Weevils: What They Are, Health Risks, Getting Rid of Them, and More
Cited text: Rest assured, you're unlikely to get sick if you eat flour with a few 'weevils' in it.
Excerpt: Food safety authorities note that you're unlikely to get sick if you eat flour with a few 'weevils' in it
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/weevils-what-to-know
Weevils: What They Are, Health Risks, Getting Rid of Them, and More
Cited text: Weevils are attracted to warm, moist environments. They emerge in late spring and seek shelter in the hot, dry months of June and July, looking for pl...
Excerpt: Weevils are attracted to warm, moist environments. They emerge in late spring and seek shelter in the hot, dry months of June and July, looking for places to reproduce and lay their eggs
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/weevils-what-to-know
How To Prevent Weevil Infestation
Cited text: This can happen multiple times over the course of a year, so with only a couple of grain weevils to start with, you could soon have a massive invasion...
Excerpt: This can happen multiple times over the course of a year, so with only a couple of grain weevils to start with, you could soon have a massive invasion on your hands
https://www.suncoasttermitepest.com.au/how-to-prevent-weevil-infestation
9 signs you have evil weevils in your pantry! | Little Aussie Communities
Cited text: Keep food storage areas dry; weevils are attracted to moisture.
Excerpt: Weevils are attracted to moisture, making Australia's coastal areas particularly susceptible
https://www.littleaussie.com.au/post/signs-of-weevils-in-pantry
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home, Pantry and Cupboards
Cited text: Buy dry goods in smaller quantities if possible, to prevent storing them for too long. Wang also suggests getting rid of old food.
Excerpt: Buy dry goods in smaller quantities if possible, to prevent storing them for too long
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a36720341/how-to-get-rid-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home, Pantry and Cupboards
Cited text: Inspect dry goods before purchasing for open or torn packaging.
Excerpt: Always inspect dry goods before purchasing for open or torn packaging
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a36720341/how-to-get-rid-weevils/
How To Prevent Weevil Infestation
Cited text: Whenever you buy anything from the store that could be infested including grains, pulses and cereals, put these into freezer bags, and place them into...
Excerpt: When you bring groceries home, put items that could be infested—including grains, pulses and cereals—into freezer bags, and place them into the freezer for at least four days
https://www.suncoasttermitepest.com.au/how-to-prevent-weevil-infestation
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home, Pantry and Cupboards
Cited text: Freeze grains or dry goods for a minimum of four days to kill any larvae or eggs.
Excerpt: This freezing process kills any larvae or eggs that might already be present
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a36720341/how-to-get-rid-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home, Pantry and Cupboards
Cited text: Store food in tightly sealed containers. 'These containers can be glass or metal with tight lids that are bug-proof,' says Wang.
Excerpt: Store food in tightly sealed containers—these can be glass or metal with tight lids that are bug-proof
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a36720341/how-to-get-rid-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Australia—Love and Labels
Cited text: Even decanting your food into mason jars or old Moccona Coffee jars will do the job too if you are on a budget.
Excerpt: Even decanting your food into mason jars or old Moccona coffee jars will do the job if you are on a budget
https://www.loveandlabels.com.au/bl...tips/how-to-get-rid-of-pantry-moths-australia
How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Australia—Love and Labels
Cited text: When choosing your Pantry containers, go for clear jars so that it will be easier to identify any weevils if they return.
Excerpt: When choosing pantry containers, go for clear jars so that it will be easier to identify any weevils if they return
https://www.loveandlabels.com.au/bl...tips/how-to-get-rid-of-pantry-moths-australia
How to get rid of weevils in your kitchen pantry
Cited text: Dried bay leaves discourage grain and rice weevil infestation, so place one in each airtight container.
Excerpt: Dried bay leaves discourage grain and rice weevil infestation, so place one in each airtight container
https://www.bhg.com.au/lifestyle/cleaning/how-to-make-your-kitchen-free-of-weevils/
9 signs you have evil weevils in your pantry! | Little Aussie Communities
Cited text: Some people swear by putting bay leaves in their cupboards to keep weevils away.
Excerpt: Some people swear by putting bay leaves in their cupboards to keep weevils away
https://www.littleaussie.com.au/post/signs-of-weevils-in-pantry
How to Get Rid of Weevils.
Cited text: To prevent and control weevils, you can use a combination of natural methods and chemical solutions: Bay Leaves: Placing bay leaves in your pantry can...
Excerpt: Other natural methods include placing bay leaves in your pantry due to their strong scent, and diatomaceous earth, which can kill weevils by dehydrating them when sprinkled in pantry corners and shelves
https://www.wipeouttermitesandpests.com.au/post/weevils-the-uninvited-guests-in-your-pantry-and-more
How to get rid of weevils in your kitchen pantry
Cited text: Finding the original source is the key to eliminating further problems and food spoilage. Until you find the source, you will continue to have pantry ...
Excerpt: Finding the original source is the key to eliminating further problems and food spoilage.
https://www.bhg.com.au/lifestyle/cleaning/how-to-make-your-kitchen-free-of-weevils/
How to get rid of pantry weevils | Airtasker AU
Cited text: (Source: iStock) Before you can eliminate weevils, you need to figure out where they’re coming from. Start by inspecting all dry food in your pantry, ...
Excerpt: Start by inspecting all dry food in your pantry, focusing specifically on grains, rice, flour, pasta, and even dried fruits
https://www.airtasker.com/au/guides/how-to-eradicate-pantry-weevils/
How to get rid of pantry weevils | Airtasker AU
Cited text: You can do this by sealing infested food in plastic bags before disposing of it in an outdoor bin to prevent weevils from escaping. Avoid composting c...
Excerpt: Seal infested food in plastic bags before disposing of it in an outdoor bin to prevent weevils from escaping.
https://www.airtasker.com/au/guides/how-to-eradicate-pantry-weevils/
How to get rid of weevils in your kitchen pantry
Cited text: Once you’ve identified and removed the infestation, take everything out of the pantry, give it a vacuum and wipe down all the cupboards, pantry shelve...
Excerpt: Take everything out of the pantry, give it a vacuum and wipe down all the cupboards, pantry shelves and surrounding areas.
https://www.bhg.com.au/lifestyle/cleaning/how-to-make-your-kitchen-free-of-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home, Pantry and Cupboards
Cited text: Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils.
Excerpt: Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a36720341/how-to-get-rid-weevils/
How To Prevent Weevil Infestation
Cited text: We recommend that you use cleaners such as vinegar, tea tree oil or lemon to clean all of the surfaces.
Excerpt: Use cleaners such as vinegar, tea tree oil or lemon to clean all of the surfaces
https://www.suncoasttermitepest.com.au/how-to-prevent-weevil-infestation
How to Get Rid of Weevils.
Cited text: If you find that your efforts are not controlling the infestation or if the problem is widespread, it may be time to seek professional pest control se...
Excerpt: If you find that your efforts are not controlling the infestation or if the problem is widespread, it may be time to seek professional pest control services.
https://www.wipeouttermitesandpests.com.au/post/weevils-the-uninvited-guests-in-your-pantry-and-more
All You Need To Know About Weevils—Safeguard Pest Control
Cited text: Safeguard Pest Control is a family owned and operated company that has been operating since 1989. We have extensive knowledge and experience in this f...
Excerpt: Many Australian pest control companies are family-owned operations with decades of experience and can provide professional results
https://safeguardpestcontrol.com.au/sunshine-coast/all-you-need-to-know-about-weevils/
All You Need To Know About Weevils—Safeguard Pest Control
Cited text: We will begin by inspecting your home and find out where the problem. We will then come up with an action plan and get you informed about the treatmen...
Excerpt: They begin by inspecting your home to identify the problem areas, then develop an action plan and inform you about treatment methods and costs
https://safeguardpestcontrol.com.au/sunshine-coast/all-you-need-to-know-about-weevils/
How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Home, Pantry and Cupboards
Cited text: Regularly clean the pantry, clean up spills immediately and inspect pantry and dry goods for any signs of weevils.
Excerpt: Regularly clean the pantry, clean up spills immediately and inspect pantry and dry goods for any signs of weevils
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a36720341/how-to-get-rid-weevils/
9 signs you have evil weevils in your pantry! | Little Aussie Communities
Cited text: Check regularly for reappearance — it may take a while to get rid of them completely.
Excerpt: Check regularly for reappearance — it may take a while to get rid of them completely
https://www.littleaussie.com.au/post/signs-of-weevils-in-pantry
9 signs you have evil weevils in your pantry! | Little Aussie Communities
Cited text: Regularly clean pantry cracks, crevices, and shelves. Check regularly for reappearance — it may take a while to get rid of them completely.
Excerpt: Regularly clean pantry cracks, crevices, and shelves. Keep food storage areas dry as weevils are attracted to moisture
https://www.littleaussie.com.au/post/signs-of-weevils-in-pantry
How To Prevent Weevil Infestation
Cited text: When it comes to pantry infestations, one of the biggest pests in Australia is the grain weevil. Although they are tiny in size, they can inflict a lo...
Excerpt: When it comes to pantry infestations, one of the biggest pests in Australia is the grain weevil.
https://www.suncoasttermitepest.com.au/how-to-prevent-weevil-infestation
How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Australia—Love and Labels
Cited text: This may seem like a mammoth task but it will allow you to organize and de-clutter your pantry along the way and as a general rule this is a job that ...
Excerpt: This thorough approach to pantry management is a job that needs doing every six months or so anyway
https://www.loveandlabels.com.au/bl...tips/how-to-get-rid-of-pantry-moths-australia
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