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Placing a small packet of hing in rice or pulse containers helps keep insects like ghun away, as its strong smell works as a natural and safe repellent
Insects usually appear in rice or pulse containers due to prolonged storage, which leads to moisture exposure. (News18 Telugu)
In Indian households, staples such as pulses, rice, flour, and spices are often bought in bulk and stored for months. These essentials are typically kept in metal or plastic containers, ranging from small boxes to large drums.
However, a common problem that affects these items, especially during the monsoon, is the appearance of tiny black insects known as ghun or patanga in stored grains. This infestation occurs due to a few simple yet often overlooked mistakes during storage.
While some people resort to discarding the grains, using pesticides, or even matchsticks to fix the issue, there’s actually a safer and more affordable solution hiding in your spice box.
Use Asafoetida
According to kitchen experts and home remedy enthusiasts, placing a small packet of asafoetida (hing) in your rice container works wonders in repelling insects. Known for its pungent smell and use in cooking, asafoetida’s strong aroma acts as a natural deterrent. Insects such as ghun cannot tolerate its scent and tend to stay away.
It doesn’t spoil the grains or alter their taste, making it one of the most effective, safe, and budget-friendly ways to prevent infestations.
Why Do Insects Enter Rice Boxes?
Even if your rice box is always tightly closed, insects can still appear. This usually happens due to prolonged storage, which leads to exposure to moisture. Monsoon humidity increases the risk, and other common habits like scooping rice with wet hands or leaving the lid loosely covered, make the condition worse.
Moisture provides the ideal environment for these pests to multiply rapidly. So, it’s crucial to ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling grains and to always seal the container properly.
Other Natural Remedies
If you don’t have asafoetida at hand, here are some tried-and-tested alternatives:
- Neem Leaves: Neem is known for its antibacterial and pest-repelling properties. You can add a few dried neem leaves to your rice container. Remember to replace them every couple of weeks for continued effectiveness.
- Dried Red Chillies: Simply drop a few dried red chillies into the rice drum. Their strong smell helps deter insects. Replace the chillies every two weeks, and the used ones can still be used for cooking.
- Black Pepper: Like chillies, pepper also acts as a natural repellent. The smell of pepper disrupts insect activity and keeps your rice pest-free.
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