How to Kill Flour Beetles

Remove all food from your pantry or food storage area. Even if the only visibly contaminated food in your pantry is flour or grains, you must eliminate the problem fully. Removing all the food from the pantry lets you completely clean out the pantry and eliminates the possibility of missing any open or improperly stored food.

Look through all opened boxes and food stored in containers. Older flour or grains are more susceptible to flour beetles than newer foods. Empty all contaminated foods into a large container. Set the used containers aside. Keep your uncontaminated food away from the contaminated food. Check the seals on all containers.

Seal the large container full of food with a tight lid. Tape around the perimeter of the container and the lid. This seals in any flour beetles, eggs and larvae. Place the container in the freezer. Leave the container in the freezer for a week. This completely kills all beetles, eggs and larvae. Remove the container from the freezer. Dump the contents of the container into a trash bag. Tie the top of the bag and throw it away.

Soak your used containers in warm, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. This kills any bacteria left over from the beetles. Dry the containers with a clean, dry cloth.

Wipe down the shelves in the pantry or cabinets with anti-bacterial cleaner and a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.

Vacuum the pantry or cabinet shelves. This eliminates any residue or missed food.

Organize your food in the pantry. Put newer items in the back of the pantry and older items in the front. Use the older food first. This keeps your food fresh and lowers the risk of re-contamination.