Why is there a bay leaf in our flour canister?
posted originally from: TheKitchn
Tips: Bay Leaves in the Pantry
Years ago, in the midst of a moth infestation, we read that bay leaves repel pantry insects. Everyone from beetles to weevils, moths, cockroaches, ants, and flies is said to hate the herb's fragrance. The leaves can be placed in containers of flour, rice, and other dry goods, or taped inside cupboards and shelves. Of course, this should not preclude other bug deterring efforts like regular cleaning and storing foods in airtight containers.
Although we cannot offer scientific proof, we can confirm that our grains have been virtually pest-free ever since we started slipping bay leaves into canisters, cupboards, and boxes. We change them out every few months or once they lose their pungency. We've never had an issue with the leaves affecting the flavor of dry goods, although if one is concerned about this, one could affix the leaf to the inside of the lid rather than placing it directly in the food.
Does anyone else use bay leaves or other herbs to repel pantry bugs?
Related:
Tips: Repel Fruit Flies with Rue
Kitchen Storage: The Best Place to Keep Flour
(Image: Emily Ho)
Comments (4)
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I started keeping my flour etc. in the freezer due to lack of pantry space and I haven't had a single bug since. (It hasn't compromised the flavor or texture of anything I've made. Actually, my baked goods seem to have improved.) If I had more pantry space than freezer space I'd try bay leaves, but for now the freezer works for me.
view Stiletto's profile
I use them as well, and have not had bug problems since!
view als1's profile
i tried sticking bayleaves inside my kitchen cupboard doors to no avail - the mothy weevily critters seemed to love them. when i ran out of room in the fridge i decided to try decanting all my flour, rice, oats etc into juice bottles. i figured that if they were watertight moths couldn't get in. it's a bit fiddly with a funnel, but the results have been worth it. and now some flour comes in airtight screw-top plastic bottles, so someone got the idea - from me i expect!
now, silverfish (*#@!!~) & moths in my clothes are another matter. any suggestions there?
view buglady's profile
silverfish make me sick to my stomach. ughhhhhh.
we taped bay leaves all over our cupboards when we got a bad infestation one time. now i store everything in sealed glass canisters from IKEA - works great!
view akostalas's profile