Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower Seeds

[Guest guest]

Carolyn: Be careful when you open it. I'd take it outside and open it. I have

no idea what else to tell you because this is my first experience with creepy

crawlies in any sprouting seeds.

Best of luck, Mel

[Guest guest]

I recently had an issue with bugs in some rice. It was in a large

tupperware container. Now my rice is in jars. I use the big pickle jars

and large wine jugs.

R.

> Hi .

>

> Sounds like a plan. I'm just happy I don't have too many seeds, flour or

> any other stuff that pantry moths can thrive in.

>

> I am going to be more vigilant than ever from now on.

>

> Melody

>

>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

 I need to find a big jar to put mine in before I open the can.

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Saturday, April 7, 2012 2:01 PM

Subject: Re: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

 

I recently had an issue with bugs in some rice. It was in a large

tupperware container. Now my rice is in jars. I use the big pickle jars

and large wine jugs.

R.

> Hi .

>

> Sounds like a plan. I'm just happy I don't have too many seeds, flour or

> any other stuff that pantry moths can thrive in.

>

> I am going to be more vigilant than ever from now on.

>

> Melody

>

>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

 Won't the freezing kill the sunflower seeds too?

 

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Saturday, April 7, 2012 9:48 AM

Subject: Re: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

 

When Freezing the things have to be deep frozen for at least 2 weeks to

kill eggs. Yes, I don't know how but something can get in under plastic

lids. We were renting out our upstairs where we used to live a few years

ago. The son had put some sunflower seeds in the pantry and not closed

them very well. Well, after a while I noticed that some of my beans had

bugs/moths. I started throwing things out then discovered this bag of

sunflower seeds. I now seal everything in glass jars. After I threw

everything out that was contaminated, I started seeing these little moths

in the pantry and realized it was Pantry moths. The gallon jars with

lids, I also seal with packing tape. Oh and my beans, lentils, rice etc. I

have treated with DE. (Diatomaceous Earth), I have not done this with

sprouting seed yet, because DE can reduce the moisture and sort of afraid

to try it. But I just ordered 5 lbs of alfalfa so I guess I am going to

have to try it.

R.

I've been freezing seeds every since I began sprouting almost 4 years ago.

> I was taught that freezing will kill any eggs. I guess I was told wrong. lol

>

[Guest guest]

Stick a few bayleaves in the closet as well.  That helps to keep them away a

bit.  I have no idea why.  I don't know if fresh bay would work like the dried

does or not.

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Saturday, April 7, 2012 9:54 AM

Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower

Seeds

 

Hi .

Sounds like a plan. I'm just happy I don't have too many seeds, flour or any

other stuff that pantry moths can thrive in.

I am going to be more vigilant than ever from now on.

Melody

>

> When Freezing the things have to be deep frozen for at least 2 weeks to

> kill eggs. Yes, I don't know how but something can get in under plastic

> lids. We were renting out our upstairs where we used to live a few years

> ago. The son had put some sunflower seeds in the pantry and not closed

> them very well. Well, after a while I noticed that some of my beans had

> bugs/moths. I started throwing things out then discovered this bag of

> sunflower seeds. I now seal everything in glass jars. After I threw

> everything out that was contaminated, I started seeing these little moths

> in the pantry and realized it was Pantry moths. The gallon jars with

> lids, I also seal with packing tape. Oh and my beans, lentils, rice etc. I

> have treated with DE. (Diatomaceous Earth), I have not done this with

> sprouting seed yet, because DE can reduce the moisture and sort of afraid

> to try it. But I just ordered 5 lbs of alfalfa so I guess I am going to

> have to try it.

>

> R.

>

> I've been freezing seeds every since I began sprouting almost 4 years ago.

> > I was taught that freezing will kill any eggs. I guess I was told wrong. lol

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Carolyn:

Which closet are you talking about? The clothes closets?

Thanks, Melody

> >

> > When Freezing the things have to be deep frozen for at least 2 weeks to

> > kill eggs. Yes, I don't know how but something can get in under plastic

> > lids. We were renting out our upstairs where we used to live a few years

> > ago. The son had put some sunflower seeds in the pantry and not closed

> > them very well. Well, after a while I noticed that some of my beans had

> > bugs/moths. I started throwing things out then discovered this bag of

> > sunflower seeds. I now seal everything in glass jars. After I threw

> > everything out that was contaminated, I started seeing these little moths

> > in the pantry and realized it was Pantry moths. The gallon jars with

> > lids, I also seal with packing tape. Oh and my beans, lentils, rice etc. I

> > have treated with DE. (Diatomaceous Earth), I have not done this with

> > sprouting seed yet, because DE can reduce the moisture and sort of afraid

> > to try it. But I just ordered 5 lbs of alfalfa so I guess I am going to

> > have to try it.

> >

> > R.

> >

> > I've been freezing seeds every since I began sprouting almost 4 years ago.

> > > I was taught that freezing will kill any eggs. I guess I was told wrong.

lol

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

They sell portable ice makers??

Mel

> >

> >

> >

> >  Won't the freezing kill the sunflower seeds too?

> >  

> > Carolyn Wilkerson

> >

> >

> >  

> >

> > From: Rushing <lindarsgarden@>

> > To: sproutpeople

> > Sent: Saturday, April 7, 2012 9:48 AM

> > Subject: Re: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

> >

> >

> >  

> > When Freezing the things have to be deep frozen for at least 2 weeks to

> > kill eggs. Yes, I don't know how but something can get in under plastic

> > lids. We were renting out our upstairs where we used to live a few years

> > ago. The son had put some sunflower seeds in the pantry and not closed

> > them very well. Well, after a while I noticed that some of my beans had

> > bugs/moths. I started throwing things out then discovered this bag of

> > sunflower seeds. I now seal everything in glass jars. After I threw

> > everything out that was contaminated, I started seeing these little moths

> > in the pantry and realized it was Pantry moths. The gallon jars with

> > lids, I also seal with packing tape. Oh and my beans, lentils, rice etc. I

> > have treated with DE. (Diatomaceous Earth), I have not done this with

> > sprouting seed yet, because DE can reduce the moisture and sort of afraid

> > to try it. But I just ordered 5 lbs of alfalfa so I guess I am going to

> > have to try it.

> >

> > R.

> >

> > I've been freezing seeds every since I began sprouting almost 4 years ago.

> > > I was taught that freezing will kill any eggs. I guess I was told wrong.

lol

> > >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

No, I meant the cupboard where you keep flours or anything that might attract

bugs.  I used to put a bay leaf in flour.  I keep it in the refrigerator

now.  I don't know if it would keep moths out of the clothes closet. 

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:57 AM

Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower

Seeds

 

Carolyn:

Which closet are you talking about? The clothes closets?

Thanks, Melody

> >

> > When Freezing the things have to be deep frozen for at least 2 weeks to

> > kill eggs. Yes, I don't know how but something can get in under plastic

> > lids. We were renting out our upstairs where we used to live a few years

> > ago. The son had put some sunflower seeds in the pantry and not closed

> > them very well. Well, after a while I noticed that some of my beans had

> > bugs/moths. I started throwing things out then discovered this bag of

> > sunflower seeds. I now seal everything in glass jars. After I threw

> > everything out that was contaminated, I started seeing these little moths

> > in the pantry and realized it was Pantry moths. The gallon jars with

> > lids, I also seal with packing tape. Oh and my beans, lentils, rice etc. I

> > have treated with DE. (Diatomaceous Earth), I have not done this with

> > sprouting seed yet, because DE can reduce the moisture and sort of afraid

> > to try it. But I just ordered 5 lbs of alfalfa so I guess I am going to

> > have to try it.

> >

> > R.

> >

> > I've been freezing seeds every since I began sprouting almost 4 years ago.

> > > I was taught that freezing will kill any eggs. I guess I was told wrong.

lol

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

You loved them so much too.  Perhaps you ought to go back to where you got them

before.  I am about afraid to open my can too.  I wondered if it was from the

same place. 

 

The ones you sprouted were okay.  Maybe spread these in the yard to grow and

you will have some sunflowers if the bugs don't eat them all up.  If you have a

vacuum packer you might try that as soon as your seeds arrive and put them in

packages for each batch of sunnies.  Then keep them in the freezer. 

 

Don't know if they ever die or not even in the freezer but someone said

something about 8 days didn't they? 

 

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Saturday, April 7, 2012 9:06 AM

Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower

Seeds

 

As I said in my posting, this was the 2nd time I used the can. The first time

there were no anything crawling anywhere. Upon opening the can, I threw out the

can lid and replaced it with the plastic lid that they give you. I then put the

can in another room.I can assure you these bugs did not get in from anywhere,

they were INSIDE the can all the time, laying dormant. I know this because this

can was not kept anywhere near any food items. There were no bugs crawling

anywhere around, near or on top of the can. I checked this 5 times after this

happened. All the bugs were inside the lid and on top of the seeds inside the

can. The seeds were still amost to the top. I had only sed one half cup of seeds

out of that 3 lb can. And Carolyn, I've been freezing seeds every since I began

sprouting almost 4 years ago. I was taught that freezing will kill any eggs. I

guess I was told wrong. lol

But I will continue to store in freezer because, well I don't know, I guess I

feel more secure(especially with see through bags or containers. I just don't

know if I'm going to be using any more sunnies. The image of the bugs is still

in my head.

Melody

>

> They weren't there when you first opened it though were they?  I thought it

was after you put lid on and it sat for awhile.  That is typical as until the

air gets to it, the bugs re probably dormant.  Don't want to freeze the seeds

as that may cause them to die.  Very concerned now as I'd think they would be

clean with nothing there when they were shipped.  It is possible that 

they could get in after they were there.  Those plastic lids are not very

secure.  Might need to pour them into a plastic bag and tie it down or zip

lock it and then put it back in the can.  I am looking forward to hearing

what the company says to you and how to prevent this from happening.  I used

to put a bay leaf in flour and stuff like that and it keeps them out a bit. 

And I put the flour in the refrigerator now.  I don't know if that will

help.  Hopefully will not be too cold for the sunnies. 

>

>

> Carolyn Wilkerson

>

>

>  

>

>

> To: sproutpeople

> Sent: Friday, April 6, 2012 10:50 PM

> Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower

Seeds

>

>

>  

> Carolyn: Be careful when you open it. I'd take it outside and open it. I have

no idea what else to tell you because this is my first experience with creepy

crawlies in any sprouting seeds.

>

> Best of luck, Mel

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Carolyn: I live in an apartment with NO access to a backyard. So I'm not

sprinkling them anywhere unfortunately. I got this particular bug ridden batch

from handy pantry.

Mel

> >

> > They weren't there when you first opened it though were they?  I thought

it was after you put lid on and it sat for awhile.  That is typical as until

the air gets to it, the bugs re probably dormant.  Don't want to freeze the

seeds as that may cause them to die.  Very concerned now as I'd think they

would be clean with nothing there when they were shipped.  It is possible

that  they could get in after they were there.  Those plastic lids are not

very secure.  Might need to pour them into a plastic bag and tie it down or

zip lock it and then put it back in the can.  I am looking forward to hearing

what the company says to you and how to prevent this from happening.  I used

to put a bay leaf in flour and stuff like that and it keeps them out a bit. 

And I put the flour in the refrigerator now.  I don't know if that will

help.  Hopefully will not be too cold for the sunnies. 

> >

> >

> > Carolyn Wilkerson

> >

> >

> >  

> >

> > From: Melody <eliz7212@>

> > To: sproutpeople

> > Sent: Friday, April 6, 2012 10:50 PM

> > Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

> >

> >

> >  

> > Carolyn: Be careful when you open it. I'd take it outside and open it. I

have no idea what else to tell you because this is my first experience with

creepy crawlies in any sprouting seeds.

> >

> > Best of luck, Mel

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

It is true that freezing kills bugs, but it does not kill eggs. I imagine you

are seeing Indian Meal Moths and/or their larvae. I am not defending your seed

source, but pests on organic seeds are a reality. Typically the Indian Meal

Moth's (microscopic) eggs will remain dormant unless they encounter warm

weather, so freezing is a sure way to keep them so. Any Larvae or grown moths

will be killed by freezing, and any eggs that may exist on those seeds you

remove from the freezer when starting a crop will not have time to go through

their life cycle before you harvest.

If your seeds are badly eaten up they are probably beyond rescue, but if they

look generally OK go ahead and freeze them. Any dead bugs will float when you

soak your seeds. Skim them off and keep on sproutin'!

I don't know about your supplier but we pack our own seeds. Some others have

fulfillment centers and so have no contact with what they sell. All of our tons

are here with us in our cool San Francisco warehouse. Though we check our seeds

before we ship - some may contain eggs. This is partly why we suggest freezing.

It's (very) rarely a problem in our cool climate, but once seeds get to warmer

places - especially in summer time - they can hatch. These are organic seeds

after all, so we have to accept the possibility of uninvited guests. The only

organic solution I know of is Diatomaceous Earth, which is a very fine powder.

We prefer to avoid it as it looks horrible in our bags of seeds, but you can get

some at your local garden supply if you want to experiment.

I hope this helps.

Happy Sprouting!

Gil

Sproutpeople

> > >

> > > They weren't there when you first opened it though were they?  I

thought it was after you put lid on and it sat for awhile.  That is typical

as until the air gets to it, the bugs re probably dormant.  Don't want to

freeze the seeds as that may cause them to die.  Very concerned now as I'd

think they would be clean with nothing there when they were shipped.  It is

possible that  they could get in after they were there.  Those plastic

lids are not very secure.  Might need to pour them into a plastic bag and tie

it down or zip lock it and then put it back in the can.  I am looking forward

to hearing what the company says to you and how to prevent this from

happening.  I used to put a bay leaf in flour and stuff like that and it

keeps them out a bit.  And I put the flour in the refrigerator now.  I

don't know if that will help.  Hopefully will not be too cold for the

sunnies. 

> > >

> > >

> > > Carolyn Wilkerson

> > >

> > >

> > >  

> > >

> > > From: Melody <eliz7212@>

> > > To: sproutpeople

> > > Sent: Friday, April 6, 2012 10:50 PM

> > > Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

> > >

> > >

> > >  

> > > Carolyn: Be careful when you open it. I'd take it outside and open it. I

have no idea what else to tell you because this is my first experience with

creepy crawlies in any sprouting seeds.

> > >

> > > Best of luck, Mel

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

The sunflowers came in a can.  Are they vacuum packed?  My can is not where it

is cool right now.  but I figured as long as it was in the can it was okay and

only when it was opened would it need refrigeration.  I don't like the idea of

bugs in something I'm going to eat but not too thrilled about diatomaceous earth

in anything I eat either. 

 

 

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 3:44 PM

Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower

Seeds

 

It is true that freezing kills bugs, but it does not kill eggs. I imagine you

are seeing Indian Meal Moths and/or their larvae. I am not defending your seed

source, but pests on organic seeds are a reality. Typically the Indian Meal

Moth's (microscopic) eggs will remain dormant unless they encounter warm

weather, so freezing is a sure way to keep them so. Any Larvae or grown moths

will be killed by freezing, and any eggs that may exist on those seeds you

remove from the freezer when starting a crop will not have time to go through

their life cycle before you harvest.

If your seeds are badly eaten up they are probably beyond rescue, but if they

look generally OK go ahead and freeze them. Any dead bugs will float when you

soak your seeds. Skim them off and keep on sproutin'!

I don't know about your supplier but we pack our own seeds. Some others have

fulfillment centers and so have no contact with what they sell. All of our tons

are here with us in our cool San Francisco warehouse. Though we check our seeds

before we ship - some may contain eggs. This is partly why we suggest freezing.

It's (very) rarely a problem in our cool climate, but once seeds get to warmer

places - especially in summer time - they can hatch. These are organic seeds

after all, so we have to accept the possibility of uninvited guests. The only

organic solution I know of is Diatomaceous Earth, which is a very fine powder.

We prefer to avoid it as it looks horrible in our bags of seeds, but you can get

some at your local garden supply if you want to experiment.

I hope this helps.

Happy Sprouting!

Gil

Sproutpeople

> > >

> > > They weren't there when you first opened it though were they?  I

thought it was after you put lid on and it sat for awhile.  That is

typical as until the air gets to it, the bugs re probably dormant. 

Don't want to freeze the seeds as that may cause them to die.  Very

concerned now as I'd think they would be clean with nothing there when they were

shipped.  It is possible that  they could get in after they were

there.  Those plastic lids are not very secure.  Might need to

pour them into a plastic bag and tie it down or zip lock it and then put it back

in the can.  I am looking forward to hearing what the company says to

you and how to prevent this from happening.  I used to put a bay leaf in

flour and stuff like that and it keeps them out a bit.  And I put the

flour in the refrigerator now.  I don't know if that will help. 

Hopefully will not be

too cold for the sunnies. 

> > >

> > >

> > > Carolyn Wilkerson

> > >

> > >

> > >  

> > >

> > > From: Melody <eliz7212@>

> > > To: sproutpeople

> > > Sent: Friday, April 6, 2012 10:50 PM

> > > Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

> > >

> > >

> > >  

> > > Carolyn: Be careful when you open it. I'd take it outside and open it. I

have no idea what else to tell you because this is my first experience with

creepy crawlies in any sprouting seeds.

> > >

> > > Best of luck, Mel

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

That is where my can of sunflower seeds come from as well.  I thought that

might be the case. 

Carolyn Wilkerson

 

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 8:51 AM

Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of Sunflower

Seeds

 

Carolyn: I live in an apartment with NO access to a backyard. So I'm not

sprinkling them anywhere unfortunately. I got this particular bug ridden batch

from handy pantry.

Mel

> >

> > They weren't there when you first opened it though were they?  I

thought it was after you put lid on and it sat for awhile.  That is

typical as until the air gets to it, the bugs re probably dormant. 

Don't want to freeze the seeds as that may cause them to die.  Very

concerned now as I'd think they would be clean with nothing there when they were

shipped.  It is possible that  they could get in after they were

there.  Those plastic lids are not very secure.  Might need to

pour them into a plastic bag and tie it down or zip lock it and then put it back

in the can.  I am looking forward to hearing what the company says to

you and how to prevent this from happening.  I used to put a bay leaf in

flour and stuff like that and it keeps them out a bit.  And I put the

flour in the refrigerator now.  I don't know if that will help. 

Hopefully will not be

too cold for the sunnies. 

> >

> >

> > Carolyn Wilkerson

> >

> >

> >  

> >

> > From: Melody <eliz7212@>

> > To: sproutpeople

> > Sent: Friday, April 6, 2012 10:50 PM

> > Subject: Re: There were BUGS in my 3 lb can of

Sunflower Seeds

> >

> >

> >  

> > Carolyn: Be careful when you open it. I'd take it outside and open it. I

have no idea what else to tell you because this is my first experience with

creepy crawlies in any sprouting seeds.

> >

> > Best of luck, Mel

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >