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Insect invasion

I have just discoverd hundreds of minute insects, less than 1 mm. in length and thread-like in sealed containers of sugar, flour and cornflour. I have never ever come across these before in 86 years. Does anyone know what they are and how I can stop them appearing again?

Desperate D Sun 03/08/08 10:57

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Sachs
Sun 03/08/08
11:02

Hi desperate, could they be ants? We had some this summer. Found them on surfaces & in our food cupboard. Found they liked the honey jar & anything not properly sealed. Binned the lot! All you can do is keep an eye on things. Make sure all your food stuffs are in screw top jars or well sealed! Kill each one as you see them xxx

Desperate D
Sun 03/08/08
11:15

Question Author

Hi, Sachs - sorry no they're much, much smaller than ants - I had that trouble some years ago when they found a maple syrup bottle!

Sachs
Sun 03/08/08
11:22

Hi desperate! I'm stumped then! Just been on a web page though that may help you -
diypcs.co.uk/identifying-household-pest.html

Sachs
Sun 03/08/08
11:25

Sorry! scrap that site! Will look again for you xxx

Robinia
Sun 03/08/08
11:29

I think they're often referred to as flour weevils & have been discussed on here many times, I'm surprised you weren't offered some of the previous posts before you posted yours.
Anyway they're not harmful but you will need to clear, vacuum, & clean your cupboard, they're obviously getting into your packaging from somewhere. It's best to keep dry goods in plastic containers.

Sachs
Sun 03/08/08
11:33

Hi robinia! Just scoured the web, was thinking on the lines of silverfish. Your suggestion sounds more likely! xxx

Robinia
Sun 03/08/08
11:37

found an old Q & some info DD (beware...contains enlarged pics!! :o)...)

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/ Question411062.html

http://www.the-piedpiper.co.uk/th7a.htm

I've never seen silverfish in food Sachs....yet!
<hurries off to check cupboards>

Sachs
Sun 03/08/08
11:40

O.M.G Robinia !!! Makes my skin crawl! Hate any mites like this! Good luck desperate!! xxx

Desperate D
Sun 03/08/08
11:54

Question Author

Thanks for all the info. Have found an old reference to the problem on AB which seems mainly to think - weevils. These are much smaller than any I have seen ever before and although they must have legs as they run about they are so small as to be invisible. They just look like a 1 mm long strip of fine thread - no head, no legs. My sugar is in Tupperware containers and unopened packets and they are in there. Shall certainly use the frig. or freezer idea to kill off any in new supplies.

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