What are the bugs in my spices?

The bugs most commonly found in spices (especially paprika and cayenne) are cigarette and drugstore beetles. Both are derived from the same family and have a reddish-brown color and a size similar to that of a sesame seed.

Can bugs get in your spices?

And the most common spice invaders are tiny: Cigarette beetles and drugstore beetles, which are the most typical offenders, tend to only get as big as a sesame seed. Green says you can also spot these beetles as young worms, a sign that the bugs are, yes, getting busy in your spices.

What causes Spice bugs?

The reason? They’re all made from peppers, which are richer with nutrients for “multiple generations” of beetles to sustain life, Green says. Other spices prone to infestation include turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel and dry ginger, but these types of beetles can also settle in pet food, cereal, and dried fruit.

How do you get rid of weevils?

Wipe the shelves with hot soapy water or a disinfecting spray then wipe again with white vinegar, which is known to kill weevils. Clean any unaffected items such as cans or containers before returning them to the pantry.

Does ground pepper have bugs in it?

For example, with ground pepper, the FDA allows an average of 475 or more insect fragments per 50 grams. “Definitely more likely to see bugs in any type of spicy spices so things like paprika, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, turmeric,” London said.

How do you get rid of spice bugs?

How do I get rid of them? Empty your pantry completely and vacuum out the shelves, floors and corners. Then, wash the spaces down with soapy water — but don’t apply bleach, ammonia or pesticides. They won’t prevent a future infestation and can be dangerous if they come in contact with foods.

How do bugs get in sealed food?

Most dried food products can be infested by insects



Pantry pests are most likely to infest products that have been opened but they also can get into unopened paper, thin cardboard, and plastic, foil or cellophane-wrapped packages. They may chew their way into packages or crawl in through folds and seams.

Are pantry bugs harmful if eaten?

So will pantry moths or their larvae, eggs and webbing make you sick if you accidentally eat them? The experts say no. So, if you ingest them, don’t panic. Indian meal moths are not known to spread any known diseases, parasites or pathogens.

Are weevils harmful to humans?

The Good News. The truth is, weevils are NOT harmful to humans. Accidentally eating them along with your food does not cause any ill effects. What could happen is that they can simply add a different crunch to your food when eaten, something unpalatable even?