A small bug spotted near your flour or cereal is almost always a pantry moth, a grain beetle, or a weevil — three very common kitchen pests that pose no danger to human health. They do not bite, do not sting, and do not carry disease. The good news: a calm, methodical approach is all it takes to clear them out for good.
In brief
- —Pantry moths and grain beetles carry no disease and do not bite
- —Infestations often start with an already-infested product from the store
- —Airtight containers and bay leaves help prevent a comeback
Pantry moths, grain beetles, weevils: three suspects, one common problem
The tiny bug in your kitchen is most likely one of three species: an Indian meal moth (also called a pantry moth), a grain beetle, or a weevil. All three are extremely common, particularly during warmer months, and all three share the same appetite: stored dry goods.

