How to identify “keede” in rice or grains: Prevention and hacks to remove them you must try

Rice weevils, known locally as "chawal keede," are small, dark brown or reddish-black insects that commonly infest stored grains such as rice, atta, and dal. These pests are a frequent problem in Indian kitchens and can lead to digestive issues if consumed. They live and reproduce inside the grains, feeding on them from within.

You might notice small, white larvae floating when washing rice or observe tiny holes in the grains, indicating the weevils are feeding inside. These pests thrive in damp and humid conditions, particularly during the monsoon season, which provides an ideal breeding environment. Once they begin reproducing, eliminating them becomes challenging.

Identifying Weevils in Rice and Grains

Regularly inspect your rice and grain products for small, black or brown beetles, roughly half the size of a rice grain. Be alert for signs of infestation, such as sticky webs or silky strands with small clumps of broken rice, often found crawling inside rice packets. These webs are spun by rice weevil larvae and can be visible even before the insects themselves are detected.

Preventing Weevils in Your Grains

Here are some proactive measures to keep weevils out of your grains:

1. Store in airtight containers: Keep rice and grains in sealed glass or plastic containers to prevent weevils from entering. Weevils can chew through paper, cardboard, and thin plastic packaging.
2. Use natural repellents: Employ strong-smelling items like bay leaves, cloves, garlic, and crushed peppercorns to deter weevils. These spices contain natural properties that repel weevils and prevent infestation.
3. Check food before storing: Examine dried food products for silky webs and signs of weevil contamination before storing them.
4. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep rice and grains in a cool, dry area or refrigerator. Weevils become inactive at temperatures below 55°F (13°C), inhibiting reproduction and infestation.
5. Buy in small quantities: Purchase rice and grains in smaller amounts to minimize the risk of weevil infestations. This reduces the likelihood of weevils pupating and maturing into adult beetles.
6. Check for silky webs: Inspect food packaging for silky webs, which may indicate a weevil infestation. If webs are present, discarding the food is recommended.
7. Maintain clean storage: Keep storage areas clean and regularly check for signs of weevil infestation. Proper storage and routine checks can help prevent infestations and maintain a pest-free pantry.

Simple Home Remedies to Remove Weevils from Stored Grains

Effective methods can help eliminate these pests from your kitchen, ensuring your stored grains remain safe and healthy for consumption.

1. Dry rice in sunlight: Expose infested grains to direct sunlight to eliminate weevils. Spread the rice evenly on a tray or newspaper and leave it in the hot sun for several hours to kill weevils and their eggs.
2. Use a wet cloth trap: Cover the rice container with a damp cloth to trap weevils. Attracted to humidity, weevils will cling to the cloth. After 30 minutes, remove the cloth and clean the rice.
3. Store in freezer: Freeze rice for three days to kill weevils and their eggs. Cold temperatures halt the weevil's growth and prevent infestation.
4. Airtight containers: Store rice in airtight containers to prevent weevil infestation. Properly cleaned and tightly sealed containers will cause weevils to die due to lack of air.
5. Bay leaves and Neem leaves: Place dried bay or neem leaves in the rice container to repel weevils. These leaves have natural properties and a strong scent that prevents infestation.
6. Spice repellent: Use spices such as ginger, cloves, and garlic to repel weevils. Place them in the rice container and replace them periodically. Weevils dislike the strong aromas of these spices.
7. Dried orange peel: Chop dried orange peel into small pieces and sprinkle them into the rice container, especially where worms are present.
8. Matchbox trick: Place an open matchbox near grains to repel worms. Matchboxes contain sulfur, which worms dislike, keeping them away from grains.