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**How to Remove White Worms From Rice: A Simple Guide for a Clean Pantry**
### Why Does Rice Get Infested?
Rice, like many other pantry staples (such as pasta, flour, and grains), is vulnerable to infestations by pantry pests like rice weevils, grain moths, and their larvae. These pests typically find their way into food through packaging that isn’t sealed properly or during transport and storage. The larvae are usually invisible at first but grow into the white worms (or larvae) that you find crawling in your rice.
#### Step 1: Inspect the Rice
Before you dive into the cleaning process, the first step is to inspect your rice thoroughly. Pour the rice onto a clean, flat surface, like a large baking sheet or a tray. Look for any visible white worms or small black spots, which could be remnants of the larvae or eggs. You’ll want to remove any affected rice, as it might have a compromised texture and taste.
Step 2: Sift or Strain the Rice
To remove the white worms or larvae from your rice, you can sift or strain the rice. Use a fine mesh strainer to shake the rice back and forth, allowing the rice grains to fall through while leaving the bugs and larvae behind. If the infestation is minor, this method can be very effective at removing the insects.