During the rainy or winter seasons, many kitchen staples tend to spoil or get infested with tiny insects and weevils. Rice is one of the most common items affected. Since most people store rice for a month or more, it often attracts weevils during changing weather. These pests not only ruin the quality of rice but also spoil its aroma and taste over time.

Manually removing them one by one can be exhausting — but don’t worry, there are easier ways to clean your rice and keep it safe for long. Here are a few tried-and-tested home remedies to help you remove weevils from rice quickly and effectively.

The simplest and most effective method is to sun-dry your rice. Spread the rice evenly on a large tray or clean sheet and keep it under strong sunlight for 2–3 hours. The heat and dryness drive away weevils naturally and also remove any trapped moisture, preventing further infestation.

Neem leaves are known for their strong antibacterial and insect-repelling properties. Just add a few dried neem leaves to your rice container. They’ll keep weevils and other insects away while helping the rice stay fresh for longer. Replace the leaves every few weeks for best results.

Weevils dislike the sharp smell of bay leaves. Place 2–3 bay leaves inside the rice container, and they’ll act as a natural deterrent. This hack also works well for flour, pulses, and lentils — helping protect all your dry kitchen ingredients from insect infestation.

This is one of the oldest and most trusted kitchen hacks. Sprinkle a few coarse salt grains at the bottom or top of your rice jar. Salt helps absorb excess moisture, making the environment less favorable for weevils. It’s a simple, chemical-free method passed down through generations.

If the infestation is already visible, you can use this quick remedy. Pour white vinegar into a small bowl and add ¼ teaspoon of asafoetida (hing). Place the bowl in the middle of a plate filled with rice. The strong smell of vinegar and asafoetida drives weevils away within a few hours.