No matter what impregnable defences we erect around cereals, pulses, spices etc, some damn bugs always manage to get inside and procreate, ruining the food in the process. Anyone else suffer from this, or is it just us? Any tips for getting rid of them, or explanations of where they come from and how they get into sealed bags and jars?

Eggs already laid by the time you buy the stuff.
1) Remove all the stuff you currently have and throw it out.
2) Empty all of your cupboards and wipe the area down with soapy water (don't forget the corners). Rinse off with fresh water (plus a little bleach if desired). Wipe with a cloth with eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
3) Once the cupboards are dry reline with shelf paper. Put the rest of the food back with a few dried bay leaves to discourage beasties.
4) Buy fresh stuff and when you get it home put it in the freezer for 4 days to kill the bugs & eggs.
5) Keep stuff in a sealed plastic (tupperware type) canister, put a dried bay leaf in each container to discourage the bugs.

Gayest post from a male bored member 2012.

Only those who bat for the other side mess about with tea tree oil !

Hhhhhmmm, I am sensing just the merest hint that my masculinity is being questioned. Luckily I am so secure in my sexuality that I'm above responding to those types of post. So go do one!
Oh and I'm deeply hurt that the OP hasn't taken the time to thank me for my answer, sniffle, sob!

Woah, tiger. I only posted 4 hours ago. But thank you anyway for your suggestions.

You're welcome. It was the 'Large Member' in your avatar that drew me, obviously.

Excellent reply. Do you really freeze everything for 4 days before use?

We keep all packet foods in plastic containers - it's the only way to stop little creatures getting into your food. This follows an unfortunate incident when my husband emailed me from work - in huge pink letters (presumably so I'd notice it):

"Don't eat the ryvitas - they've got bugs in them".

Unfortunately, it was too late. I had already eaten about four of the them. And when I checked the packet, it was full of tiny little baby cockroaches

Yack!

Thanks will give that a go, they get in everything, we also suffer from tiny ants, come from wall through a socket, the spray stops them for a while but will probably kill the cat as well

If you're in Dubai I know a company that'll sort the sugar ants out with a 3 month guarantee for 500 dits.

Send me the details please, thanks

Jumeirah Pest Control 043964721