Q: I harvest hot peppers and air dry them throughout the growing season. In the fall I grind them and store them in jars. Recently I noticed small worms in one jar and moth-like insects in an other. What can I do to prevent this?

A: There are several pests of stored spices and dry food. Eggs were likely laid on the peppers while they were drying. The best idea is to store peppers in the freezer once they are dry.

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Insect Pests of Stored Food

Indian meal moth