Weevils, Grain, and the Tropics ...

[wind_magic]

I have read that Weevils are a terrible problem in the tropics and that they get into flour and grain products and cause trouble. I'm curious, do they infest raw grain like wheat and rice as easily or is it mostly processed grains ? I'm considering getting a new grain mill and it made me think to ask because I use a lot of wheat.

[camaraderie]

They get into eveything if you let them. Anything we bought down island we immediately de-packaged and put into air tight ziplock bags which worked well and kept any infestations from spreading to the rest of our food.

[sailingdog]

They will infest almost anything made from grains...including pasta, flour, grain, cereals...etc. Bay leaves are supposed to help keep them away. Microwaving the goods—pasta, grains, etc... will also help prevent infestations as it tends to kill any weevil eggs or larvae.

[pigslo]

I hate to ruin anyones appetite, but I was told as a piglet that the weavel eggs were in the flour when you bought it and it was only a matter of time before they hatched.

[wind_magic]

Thank you all for the responses!

[sailingdog]

Pigslo-

Bad piggy! You're not supposed to tell us that... but, yes, it's usually the case. That's why I recommend nuking your flour and pasta before packing it for long-term storage. Microwaves kill the weevils... eggs and all.

[sailorjim99]

G'day guys
I was told that if you unpack it, place it in an airtight container(Bottle/zip lock etc) and then place a pad of cotton wool soaked in alcohol, it will kill them. Don't know how it will go with flour but with grains etc, should be OK.
But you can't beat the old microwave before you bring them on board.
Jim.

[wildcard]

One more vote for the microwave, works great.

[ianhlnd]

Weevils don't get into flour, corn meal, etc., they're already in there when you buy it. The eggs of the beasties can't be sifted out by the manufacturer, so no matter how you pack it, left unused, they will hatch, mate, and reproduce. This happens also to celo wrapped dried peppers, packaged spices, and just about any other dried produce or condiments.

It's best to use the flour as soon as you can and reprovision regularly. I don't know about the microwave thing, I guess you'll know if it's working if you hear the eggs popping.

[Freesail99]

Mircowave for how long ?