Black Dots in The Flour: These Are The Causes

Black dots in the flour: That’s what’s behind it

The dark spots that often appear in starchy dry goods such as flour, sugar, or rice can either be the pests themselves or their droppings. It is worth checking the relevant products regularly. In the event of an infestation, you should dispose of the goods.

• American flour beetle: This red-brown to black beetle species grows up to six millimeters long, and the larvae up to ten millimeters. The beetle feeds on grain products and often infests flour. It is suspected of producing substances that are harmful to human health. Infested flour should therefore be thrown away immediately and sealed in an airtight container.
• Australian thief beetle, pea seed beetle, bread beetle: This medium to dark brown beetle species, which grow to about five millimeters in size, does not pose a health risk. However, the infested supplies become inedible and should therefore be disposed of in an airtight container. This will also prevent further spread.
• Flat grain beetles: The flat, grey-brown beetles are about three millimeters long and often stand out as black dots in the flour. They feed on all dry and starchy foods and should be discarded along with the affected products. Although they are not considered hazardous to health, they are a hygiene problem.

This is how you avoid the pest problem in flour and co.

Food infested with pests should be disposed of immediately and professionally – no matter what type of pest it is. There are also vermin in the flour, whose dark droppings reveal the infestation. Again, you should make short work of it to avoid illness and hygiene problems.

• If you notice black dots in the flour, you should seal the affected food airtight and ideally place it in the fridge or freezer for a day. Then dispose of the food without exception.
• In order to avoid such problems in the future, you should check dry foods such as flour, sugar, rice, muesli, or dried fruit immediately after purchase and pack them in jars or cans that can be closed easily. In this way, pests can be identified as early as possible – many of them are introduced unnoticed at the time of purchase.
• Check and clean your pantry regularly. Thoroughly wipe down the cabinets with vinegar as soon as you notice bugs inside or on the food.
• It is best to buy as little as possible in advance and, above all, only buy the quantities of sugar, rice, and flour that you will use in the near future.