Many people buy more dried spices than they can realistically use. (You might think that a Costco-sized shaker of red pepper flakes is a good idea, but you’ll be using it for years to come.) Once those leftover spices lose their luster, they often end up in the trash.
Take bay leaves, for example. While they can last for up to three years with proper storage, some leaves inevitably go to waste once their flavor starts to degrade. Don’t throw away those old bay leaves, though, because they’re capable of more than just flavoring food. They’re also a natural remedy for keeping bugs out of the pantry — here’s why.
Bye Bye Bugs
In a culinary context, bay leaves produce a subtle, woodsy flavor that enhances stews, sauces, and other low-and-slow recipes. As appealing as this aroma is to us humans, it actually repels bugs and even some mice. It all has to do with an essential oil called eucalyptol, which is abundantly present in your average bay leaf. Once pests catch a whiff of it, they are far less likely to pillage the pantry.
However, you can’t just leave the bay leaves in their jar and expect them to work. Take a couple of stale leaves and place them inside potential problem areas where pests like to gather (e.g., bags of flour, sacks of rice, or bowls of beans). Unlike other popular repellants, bay leaves are completely natural and won’t contaminate your food. Since stale bay leaves have already lost most of their flavor, they won’t leave behind any earthy residue either. They will, however, successfully keep pests at bay. Just remember to remove any bay leaves before cooking with those pantry staples.
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You can also use crumbled bits of bay leaves outside the pantry. Sprinkle them inside your garbage bins to prevent bugs from congregating, or scatter some on a windowsill to deter pests from entering your home. (Warning: Bay leaves are toxic to dogs and cats, so keep them out of your pets’ reach.)
If you don’t have any bay leaves handy, there are other ways to keep your pantry items safe from pests. It all begins with using proper, airtight storage containers, such as these clear, leakproof options. They not only act as a barrier against bugs but also keep your food fresher for longer.
