I recently went to make some pancakes. The batter was a bit old and their were small worms in it.?

Question

Where do they come from? Ick!

Answer 1

They're almost definitely mealworms, the larva of a type of beetle, and you usually find them in flour or other grain products. Sometimes they get into the flour in the packaging plant or the grocery store, but it can also happen in your house if you aren't careful about keeping your kitchen clean.

Check your pantry carefully (flour, cereal, pasta, etc.) because they spread like crazy. You may be throwing a lot of food away this weekend.

Answer 2

Any pancake batter older than 60 days old should always be thrown away. Why? Humidity and age increases the chances of worms that will grow in the yeast! Never cook with old pancake mix. It could cause you to get sick. So here we go again, back to Wal-mart for some good Aunt Jemima. Good luck!

Answer 3

I had that happen, once. They even got into my rolls of paper towels that we still wrapped and sealed. They are meal worms. You will have to go through your cupboards, probably throw away all flour or anything with flour in it, you spices, etc. Spray your cabinets and shut the doors overnight. Then wash out the next day with soap and water. And restock.

Answer 4

They come from the outside, they figured if you weren't going to eat the pancake batter, they were., now what is wrong with that? They were hungry too and if you had wanted it, you would have used it already. . . .

Answer 5

you have an infestation of indian grain moths. i have them too sometimes. the best thing to do is throw away all infested grain products. put the rest of the products in small glass jars, i use quart or gallon sized canning jars. if the moths appear-they form a web in the packages or you see little worms in it-throw it out. the ones without the bugs are good to keep. leave them in the jars till you use them.
the moths are most numerous during hot weather. there are commercial traps at your garden store or on line.
these bugs don't mean you keep a dirty kitchen, they are often brought in in grocery store products (found some in raisins once), pet food (grain based), and especially in bird seed. store these items outside the home, and treat them as if they all were infested. once acquired, they are almost impossible to get rid of. if someone knows of another way to get rid of them, please share it with us.
sorry about any possible typos, three cats sitting on lap.

Answer 6

I don't know where those things come from, but the only way I know to not have bugs in your boxes is to put the boxes in the refrigerator.I used to have these skinny brown bugs in my rice and other dry goods. I tried putting the boxes inside of plastic bags that I kept tightly closed (didn't work--still had bugs) I tried glass jars tightly closed (didn't work--still had bugs) a friend told about the frig, it really works.

Answer 7

Any protein based grain or grain product has the potential to have these worms in it. The only way I know how to avoid them is to freeze the products for 24 hours before using. This will kill the larve and your product will be useable for a long time.

This also includes rice, flours, cereals, oatmeal...etc.

Answer 8

They are not worms, they are weevils, a type of beatle. They are attracted to the smell of grains going bad. Be sure to put your flour and such in air tight containers.

EDIT:
I just found this website. IT should answer all your questions.
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/home/e300w.htm

Answer 9

It depends how old it was?? Dont ever do that, If you used it before the experation date, then you SHOULD NOT HAVE WORMS IN IT, AND I WOULD TAKE IT BACK TO THE GROCER AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT HAPPEND, MAYBE YOU WILL GET YOUR MONEY BACK, OR EMAIL THE PRODUCT MAKERS OF THE PANCAKES YOU ARE USING AND MAKE A BIG PROMBLEM OUT OF IT, BUT IFFFF IT IS OLD , THERE IS NOTHING ANYBODY CAN DO, THATS YOUR FAULT

Answer 10

Moths! That's where mine come from. I use jars or canisters with screw down lids now. It's the only thing that I found that keep them out. Ziplock baggies, snap down lids and bag clips do not!! I had to completely clean out my pantry too. I also keep a box of moth balls in my pantry. Up in the corner away from food of course. It helps. Good luck!