Say Goodbye to Weevils: 5 Natural Tricks to Protect Your Rice and Beans

Finding weevils in rice or legumes is a frustrating experience that can cause us to throw away valuable foods. Luckily, there are natural and very effective methods to keep them away without the need to use chemicals.

Here are 5 homemade tricks with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.

1. Garlic: the most effective natural repellent

Garlic is not only used for cooking, it is also an excellent repellent against weevils. Simply peel a few cloves and place them inside the container where you store the rice or legumes. Its strong smell is unpleasant for these insects, but it does not affect the taste of the food.

Bonus Tip: Change your garlic cloves every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain their effectiveness.

2. Bay leaves to preserve food

Bay leaves are well known for their aroma, but few know that they also help to scare away pests. You only need to add a few dry leaves inside the jar or bag where you store your grains.

Bonus Tip: Make sure the leaves are completely dry to avoid moisture in the container.

3. Cloves: double protection

The strong, pungent aroma of cloves is also an excellent repellent. You can place a handful in a cloth bag or directly inside the container.

Bonus Tip: If you’re using airtight bags or jars, place cloves on the lid to prevent insects from entering without direct contact with food.

4. Dried lemon: a little-known trick

Dehydrated or dried lemon can absorb moisture and repel insects. Place a few dry slices in the bottom of the container where you store your grains.

Bonus Tip: You can dry the lemon slices in the sun or in the oven at a low temperature before using them.

5. Freeze rice or legumes before storing them

A very effective trick is to freeze rice or legumes for at least 48 hours before storing them. This removes any insect eggs that may be in the grains.

Bonus Tip: After freezing, be sure to store food in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place.

Final recommendation:

In addition to applying these natural tricks, it is important to keep your pantry clean, with no scattered grain residues and good ventilation. Frequent inspection of the jars or bags will allow you to detect the presence of pests in time!