Oct 5, 2009

Oh, ewww...help!

Really, I mean it, I need help. I'm on my third round of damn mealy bugs in as many months. Well, I call them mealy bugs but Googling tells me I'm wrong, they're weevils or mill bugs. Maybe. Who knows. Whatever they're called, they're those little, tiny black bugs that get into flour, rice and pasta. I've cleaned my hutch out entirely each time, disinfected, thrown out anything infected and when I open a box of, say, pasta, I always store the remainder in a Zip-Loc bag. In the past, scattering bay leaves has taken care of them but not this time - they just keep on coming back, in pure defiance of my bay leaves. So, does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to prevent this from happening a 4th time? This time, they actually were inside a couple of Zip-Loc bags and I'm sort of freaked out by that. I'd appreciate any ideas...please!

9 comments:

MPdaCNA said...

I just googled and found this link http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/home/e300w.htm. My recommendation is to clean out everything, wash the area really good and put the food into Tupperware or similar plastic container. They can get through a plastic bag but not a sealed plastic container.

Lisa said...

Ahhhh. So my Zip-Loc bag deal could be the problem. I'm not willing to do the pesticides but I've done everything else plus the bay leaves. I'll go get some plastic canisters tomorrow and transfer the stuff in Zip-Locs into those. By the way, I think, after looking at this link, that I have cabinet beetles. Thanks!

Dawn said...

I would have thought ziploc bags would have worked as well, but it seems not. I'm sorry you are having such an issue but hopefully plastic containers will take care of the problem.

Anonymous said...

Maybe try some tupperware or put in ziplocks then tupperware. You would think ziplocks would do. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I was thinking tupperware storage as well. Good luck...the thought of mealy bugs in my food gives me the willies!

Lisa said...

Yeah, I think y'all are right with plastic containers only solution. I'm headed to the store in a bit to get some with tight lids. I hate bugs with a passion.

manda said...

I was going to say Tupperware! But everyone beat me to the punch. I use to sell Tupperware with my mom, it was so much fun and I'm absolutely crazy about the stuff! This is going to sound completely wacko, but I collect Tupperware from diffirent countries, what a dork, huh? Good look with the weevil problem, those things suck!

MY LIFE WITH BOYS! said...

I have no advice! Just wanted to say hello! I'm so glad we don't have weird bugs here!

Gayle said...

I had those things, too, and tried all kinds of things to get rid of them. I would find them inside the Tupperware containers even. I think they were coming home with me from the store. I finally gave up, and now store all my flour, and cornmeal in the fridge. Takes up space true, but it works. :)