Tiny bug in your kitchen? What it is and how to get rid of it

Checking packaging for small holes before putting new products away — and not storing dry goods in their original bags once opened — are the two habits most likely to prevent a future infestation.

The immediate priority after clearing the pantry is replacing any discarded staples and storing them in sealed hard containers from the outset. Whether bay leaves alone are sufficient as a long-term deterrent — or whether repeated infestations warrant a closer look at the supply chain of specific brands — remains a question individual households will need to monitor over the coming weeks.