Summer season is just around the corner and with it comes the issue of bug infestation. Seeing bugs in your home can be unpleasant, especially when they start crawling around your kitchen pantry. Despite storing rice and wheat flour in air-tight containers in a dry place as advised, bugs can still find their way into your rice container. Bugs are attracted to cool and dark places, making rice containers a perfect home for them. Even after storing them in the correct method, rice still ends up getting attacked by bugs. But don't worry! You don't need any complicated gadgets to get rid of them. Here are some simple kitchen methods to help you shoo those bugs away:
Here Are 7 Simple Tips To Keep Rice Free From Insects:
1. Power Of Bay Leaves
This would be the best method to try. Use dry bay leaves to keep insects away from rice. Take 2-3 big bay leaves and put them in between the rice. Make sure to seal the container properly.
2. Add Neem Leaves
Neem leaves have a strong aroma which insects don't like. Hence, this is one of the most useful makes it a good option to use at home. Just add some neem leaves to your rice container and you will see how insects stay away from it.
Neem leaves can be used as a natural method to keep pests away.
Also Read: Save Onion Peels And Try This Viral Recipe For Onion Peel Powder (Masala)
3. Use Garlic Pods
This could be your go-to method for you since garlic is easily available in any kitchen. You can peel garlic pods and add them to your rice container. Ensure that you use an air-tight container.
Peeled garlic can be added to the rice.
4. Bugs Hate Cloves Scent
To use cloves to keep bugs away from your rice container, simply add a handful of whole cloves to the container along with your rice. The scent of the cloves will help deter insects from approaching and infesting the rice. This is a natural and effective way to protect your food from bugs without resorting to harmful chemicals or pesticides
5. Fresh Mint Leaves
Fresh mint, commonly known as pudina, is a good item to add to your rice container. When adding fresh mint leaves to your rice container, it is important to avoid using wet leaves as they can add moisture to the container. This excess moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, which can spoil the rice and lead to health issues.
Add fresh mint into your rice container Photo Credit: istock
6. Store Them In Batches
You can also store rice in batches. This will help protect rice in large quantities, in case one container gets infested with bugs, you will always have one rice batch in the backup. Additionally, storing rice in batches will be easy to place in kitchen cabinets. Make sure to keep your shelves, kitchen pantry and cabinets clean.
Also Read: Kitchen Tips: How To Store Onions So They Last Longer: Easy Tips And Tricks
7. Say goodbye to pesky rice bugs with the power of sunlight!
If your rice has already been invaded by insects, simply place it in a tray and expose it to sunlight. Insects do not like sunlight and will run away as soon as you keep them under the sunlight.
Hope you find this kitchen hack helpful. It's time to say bye to the kitchen bugs.