How to remove small black worms from rice flour

The small black insects in rice flour are usually rice weevils or grain thieves, which can be removed by methods such as sun screening, freezing insecticides, and sealed storage. Pest infestations are mainly related to damp storage environments, outdated grains, or unclean containers. Timely handling can avoid pollution.

1. Sun screening

Spread the rice surface with live insects and expose it to sunlight for several hours. High temperatures can cause the eggs to die, and adult insects will also crawl away when heated. After sun exposure, filter through a fine mesh screen to separate insect carcasses and impurities. Be careful to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause water loss in the rice flour and affect its taste.

2. Freezing insecticide

Put the rice flour into a sealed bag and place it in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Maintaining a low temperature below zero for more than 48 hours can kill the eggs and larvae. After freezing, it should be allowed to cool down before use to prevent frost and moisture. This method is suitable for processing a small amount of rice flour and does not damage the nutritional components.

3. Sealed storage

Use a storage tank or vacuum bag with a silicone sealing ring to store rice flour, isolating air and moisture. Natural insect repellents such as Sichuan pepper bags and dried seaweed can be placed inside the tank to suppress pests through their odor. Regularly check the edges of the container for air leakage to avoid secondary infestation.

4. High temperature steaming

For rice flour that has already been infested with insects but has not mold, it can be thoroughly washed and then steamed at high temperature for consumption. Boiling or steam heating can inactivate residual insect eggs, and the heating time should be appropriately extended during cooking. This method is only suitable for situations with minor pest infestations, and moldy rice should be discarded.

5. environmental Cleaning

Thoroughly clean the gaps in cabinets and rice bowls, and wipe and disinfect them with white vinegar or boiling water. Newly purchased rice noodles should be divided into small portions and stored to reduce the time of exposure to air after opening. Keeping the kitchen dry and ventilated, with humidity controlled below 60%, can prevent pest recurrence.

Prevention of rice flour infestation should start from the source of storage, choose a cool and dry environment for storage, and avoid mixing with damp items. It is recommended to purchase small packaged rice noodles and consume them within 3 months. For long-term storage, vacuum packaging or food grade insect repellents can be used. If the pest infestation is severe or there are signs of mold such as clumping or discoloration on the rice surface, it should be immediately stopped from consumption. Daily observation of grain quality, regular rotation of inventory, and combined with physical pest control methods can effectively reduce the occurrence of pests.