The only critters we want in our baked goods are gummy worms. Here's how you can prevent flour mite infestations, according to a cleaning pro. (Getty Images)(Getty Images)
One of the joys of winter is hunkering down in the kitchen and whipping up cozy treats. But have you ever opened a bag of flour and noticed a funky odor? Or maybe you saw some small brown spots among all of the white. Either way, it probably made you think twice about using the flour in your cake — and for good reason. Both of those scenarios point to a flour mite infestation. (Gross, we know!) But, they're more common than you might think. While ridding your kitchen of flour mites can be tricky — it often involves throwing away everything that came into contact with them — there are steps you can take to keep them from entering your home in the first place. Prevention is always easier than treatment!
So, what will stop these nuisances in their tracks? We enlisted the expertise of Karina Toner, Operations Manager of Washington, D.C.-based cleaning company Spekless. "By following these comprehensive steps, you can help ensure your pantry remains fresh, clean and pest-free," she says.
Before we delve into a prevention plan, let's chat about what flour mites actually are. "Flour mites are indeed a persistent pantry issue, especially in warmer, more humid climates," says Toner. "They can infest dry pantry staples like flour, grains and even spices, creating an unwelcome and costly problem." (Note: You're not necessarily safe just because it's winter — they can travel to your grocery store from warmer locales by way of the food they're inhabiting.)
These little creatures — and we mean little, as in, nearly microscopic — can be difficult to see, but because they have brown legs, you can sometimes spot them against lighter-colored foods. You can also detect them via their smell, which can be minty, or even musty and rancid if it's a more intense infestation. (The longer they're left undisturbed, the more likely they are to lay eggs, so best to get rid of them ASAP.) Speaking of rancidity, they can cause foods to spoil more quickly, though most people will not be harmed by ingesting a stray or two. Still, it's best to avoid them so as not to risk the effects of food contamination.
"Preventing an infestation starts with some proactive steps," says Toner, "so here’s an in-depth approach to keep your pantry mite-free, fresh and organized."
The first (and probably most effective) action you should take is transferring your dried goods to impenetrable containers. "Flour mites are incredibly small and can easily infiltrate open or loosely sealed bags, gaining direct access to food," explains Toner. "Airtight containers keep air out, which helps preserve freshness and blocks mites from reaching the contents."
She adds, "Transfer flour, rice, cereal and other grains into tightly sealed containers as soon as they’re brought home. Choose containers with locking mechanisms for the best seal. Opt for BPA-free plastic, glass or metal containers that come in various sizes to suit your pantry layout."
Toner's brand of choice is Oxo: "These containers come in a wide range of sizes, are easy to stack and seal securely with a simple push-button lock, making them a versatile choice for flour and other grains."
For more options, check out our roundup of the best food storage containers.
"To monitor humidity, a small digital hygrometer, like this ThermoPro, helps you track moisture levels," explains Toner. "This is especially useful if you live in a climate with fluctuating humidity."
"A small handheld vacuum like this one can make quick work of pantry clean-up while reaching tight corners," says Toner.
Time to tell those dried goods to "chill." These gallon-sized freezer bags can fit a lotta flour.
These water- and oil-resistant labels are suitable for sticking on all types of food storage containers, and when you need to remove them, they won't leave sticky residue behind.
Finally, a good use for these leaves that often get forgotten about in the spice drawer!
For extra reinforcement, you can purchase flour that comes in a sturdy, resealable bag like this one. Paper sacks can tear easily, but this thick packaging offers more protection.
Rather than shelling out for roll after roll of paper towels, you can reach for these wildly popular absorbent, reusable cloths, which can be tossed in the washing machine when they get dirty. Each one can replace 15 paper towel rolls so no spill goes unwiped. Take that, flour mites!
As Toner mentioned earlier, "Mites prefer warm, humid conditions for breeding and survival, so reducing both temperature and humidity in your pantry creates an inhospitable environment." Her advice? "Keep your pantry below 75°F (24°C) with humidity levels ideally under 60%. During warmer, humid months, use a dehumidifier nearby, or opt for moisture-absorbing packets or small dehumidifier units within the pantry."
"Tiny food particles and crumbs left on pantry shelves can attract flour mites and other pantry pests, providing them with an accessible food source," says Toner. "Every few weeks, empty your pantry shelves, then vacuum up any crumbs or residue, especially in corners. Follow with a damp cloth wiped down with a 50-50 vinegar-water solution, which acts as a natural deterrent for pests. Let shelves dry completely before returning any items."
According to Toner, "Freezing kills any mites or eggs that might be present in newly bought flour or grains, stopping an infestation before it can begin. When you bring home flour, cornmeal or other dry goods, place them in the freezer for 48 hours before transferring them to airtight containers. This practice is especially beneficial in warm, humid areas where mites thrive. After freezing, the flour can be stored at room temperature without worrying about mite contamination." The more you know!
"Older flour and grains are more likely to attract mites, as their nutritional quality begins to degrade over time, making them a prime target for pests," says Toner. "Label each container with the date of purchase and aim to use older items before newer ones. Avoid overstocking during warmer months to ensure all items get used within a reasonable time frame. You might consider buying in smaller quantities, particularly if you don’t bake frequently, to keep your stock fresher."
"The scent of bay leaves is thought to naturally repel pests, including flour mites, due to their strong, aromatic compounds," explains Toner. "Place a few dried bay leaves inside flour containers and around pantry shelves. Replace the bay leaves every few months to ensure they maintain their potency. You could also add bay leaves to containers with other grains for added protection."
"Flour mites can hitch a ride from the store if items are already infested, so inspecting packaging carefully can reduce the likelihood of bringing pests into your pantry," says Toner. "Avoid purchasing items in damaged packaging, as even tiny rips or tears can expose the contents to contaminants. Opt for flour or grains that look fresh and have sealed, intact packaging. This small step can prevent a lot of hassle and potential waste."
"Any spillage of flour, sugar or grains left in the pantry can create an ideal feeding ground for mites and other pests, leading to a much larger issue," notes Toner. "If a spill occurs, wipe it up right away with a damp cloth, making sure the area is completely dry afterward. Regularly check shelves for any stray particles or dust that could attract pests over time."
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