6 expert-approved tips to get rid of ‘chawal ke keede' or rice weevils from your pantry

Indian Express

5 hours ago

Have you ever opened your rice container and been greeted by tiny black pests nibbling at the grains? Rice weevils, commonly known as 'chawal keede' or 'chawal ke keede', are a common headache plaguing Indian kitchens that threaten digestive health in the long run if consumed. But don't worry; we've come to your rescue with handy tips from an expert to help you identify these mini devils and effectively eradicate them.
Deepak Sharma from the Indian Pest Control Company shared that rice weevils or grain beetles are tiny, dark brown to reddish-black insects (some with snouts) that live and breed inside stored grains like rice, atta, dal, besan, suji, etc. Sometimes, you'll also see tiny white worms—these are their larvae (baby keede).
Elaborating on signs to identify, he said that rice weevils are brown, reddish, or black and usually 2-4 mm long—smaller than a grain of rice. 'Some look like beetles, while others have a tiny snout or are just plain oval. They are slow crawlers, hiding during the day and becoming active when you open the container,' he explained.
Tiny white larvae sometimes float to the top when you wash the rice. He added that if you see small holes in the rice grains, that's them eating from inside.
It is their home and food, so they lay eggs inside the grains. 'Rice weevils love warmth and moisture found in ample Indian kitchens. They can survive for months inside sealed containers, especially plastic ones that trap humidity,' Sharma said, sharing 6 easy ways to get rid of these pests from your pantry effectively.
1. Inspect and separate: Check all your grains. If one container has them, the others likely do, too. Don't mix old grains with new ones.
2. Sunlight is your best friend: Spread the grains in the sun for a full day. The heat kills the bugs and their eggs, and the keede crawl out once they are heated.
3. Freeze method (If sunning isn't an option): Keep the infested rice in a freezer for 3–4 days. Freezing kills eggs and larvae.
4. Clean your containers: Empty and scrub every container with hot water and soap. Let them dry completely before refilling.
5. Use natural repellents: Add a few dry neem leaves, bay leaves (tej patta), cloves, or garlic pods inside the containers. These confuse the bugs' sense of smell and stop them from laying eggs.
6. Store smart: If possible, use metal or glass jars. Never store grains in plastic packets or loosely covered bins. Don't buy grains in bulk if you can't store them dry and sealed.
According to Sharma, just sieving and using the same grains again is not the best option. 'The eggs are still there. You're just removing adults,' he said. In such cases, ignoring nearby items might become a potential hazard. If they're in rice, they're likely in your atta, besan, and sooji as well.
'Using plastic bags in humid weather is another big no, as they trap moisture and speed up infestations,' he said. Emphasising the importance of cleaning storage containers before refilling, he also warned against mixing new stock with old grains, as the infestation carries the risk of spreading.