An expert has warned Brits to check their flour throughout the rest of the summer, as certain insects might be reproducing there. Much of the UK has experienced hot and humid conditions throughout summer 2025, with the potential for a fourth heatwave making homes rather warm again. This provides the perfect conditions for mites to thrive, and they can be found in fry foods such as flour, rice, pasta, and cereals. But there are steps you can take to get rid of them and keep them away.
Flour mites (Acarus Siro) are just about visible to the naked eye, says Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online. They are just 0.5mm in size and appear to be smooth-bodied, wingless, and grayish-white in colour. They have eight legs with a claw on each one, with the colour of their legs ranging from pale yellow to reddish-brown. Brits have been urged to check their flour before they use it this summer, especially if they have stored it in a warm place for an extended period of time. Flour mites like to eat the fungus grown on flour and other dry foods, so that’s where you will likely find them.
If you suspect flour mites might be in your flour, there is a simple way to test for them. Pour the flour into a glass and add water. Wait 15 minutes, and you will notice mites climbing up the side of the glass or creating tunnels in the flour.
If you discover that you have flour mites, then it is important to throw away all foods that might be affected. You can also freeze unaffected food so that any eggs or larvae that might be there will be terminated.
Then, clean your cupboards with hot, soapy water and ensure that they are thoroughly dried to prevent mould and mildew, which would attract them back. You should also vacuum the cupboards.
Additionally, Rachel says that you should regularly check your cupboards to ensure that any expired foods have been disposed of. Finally, it’s a good idea to try to reduce the humidity of your kitchen.
This can be achieved by using a dehumidifier, improving ventilation, and removing the source of the moisture. Allowing proper airflow is the best way to improve this, so make sure windows are open and use a fan if you need to.