Bug-infested rice is a common problem in kitchens, and the bugs can emerge from the rice even though the rice looked clean at the store. The bugs can sometimes get inside ‘clean’ rice at various stages of rice’s life cycle – during harvest, during packaging, or during storage. Sometimes, the rice weevil lays its eggs on the rice, and then its eggs can hatch later in a live rice structure under appropriate conditions.These bugs can thrive in rice because it provides bugs with shelter, food, and warmth and also if they have enough air and moisture. Keeping rice free from bugs will require proper food storage practices and preventive measures.
Simple kitchen tricks to keep bugs away from rice
Here are some quick and easy techniques that can be used at home to avoid insect infestation in stored rice. They are easy-to-follow methods using household items to ensure the safekeeping and freshness of rice grains. These techniques, when followed with the correct storing of rice grains, will minimise the risk of infestation.
Use bay leaves in storage containers
The strong aroma of bay leaves makes them a natural repellent for insects. You may place some dried bay or laurel leaves inside your rice container to repel insects from the rice, but not affect its quality. Replacing the leaves regularly will improve their insect-repelling capabilities.
Add cloves to rice jars
To prevent insects and reduce the build-up of moisture, add a few whole cloves to your stored rice. This will improve the suitability of the stored rice for insects to thrive. This method is easy to use as no preparation is necessary, and it also helps maintain the freshness of the stored rice.
Keep garlic cloves in rice
Garlic has a powerful odour that will repel insects from wanting to infest your stored rice. If you put a few unpeeled garlic cloves in your container, this will help prevent insect infestation, especially when the temperatures are warm. Make sure to change out the unpeeled garlic cloves every so often to keep them effective and also to prevent moisture from building up in your stored rice.
Store rice in airtight containers
Sealed containers help stop moisture from getting into the rice and insects from getting into the rice. They also reduce the amount of oxygen that gets into the container, which slows down the growth rate of any larvae that may have already been present before storing the rice. One of the most effective ways to store rice is to use clean, dry, well-sealed containers.
Dry rice in the sun regularly
Putting rice in direct sunlight for several hours once a week can help remove excess moisture content, as well as kill any insect eggs that may still be on it. This method is especially useful during humid weather and can help keep rice dry and safely stored for a longer period of time.
Freeze rice before storage
Putting your rice in a freezer (for up to three days) will kill any hidden bugs or eggs that could potentially be present on the grains prior to or after putting the rice in the freezer. Once you take it out of the freezer, store rice in properly sealed containers.
Use neem leaves as a natural repellent
Dry neem leaves are known for their ability to repel insects. By putting dry neem leaves into your rice containers, you provide a natural way to deter insects without affecting the quality of the rice.
What to do if you have already found bugs in rice
Having bugs in your rice does not mean that the whole batch should be thrown away. The very first thing to do in such a case would be to lay the rice out and get rid of the bugs that are easily detectable. The next step would be to dry the rice by leaving it in the sun for several hours. One more way is to leave the rice frozen for some days in advance of storing it back in hermetically sealed packaging. Sifting or washing is one more common practice before preparing the rice. In case the infection is too strong, however, it is better to refrain from using the contaminated rice.
