09-12-2012 - Insect Guide Tutorial Flour, Lettuce, Strawberries

In the United States, kosher consumers do not need to check flour for infestation [music] at this time. If signs of insect presence are noticed, however, the flower must [music] be checked. This tutorial describes the signs of flower infestation [music] and methods to protect flower products from insects. Special care should be taken by [music] those using flour that has been stored for some time, such as yushen or last year's matzah meal. Often insect eggs have matured and hatched by this time. Only insects that are visible with the eye present a [music] cautious problem. This is true even if the bug is not discernible without magnification, but can only be seen as a [music] speck. Insects that cannot be seen at all, such as eggs that are common in flour and other foods, do not present a cautious [music] problem because of their microscopic size. When opening the flower, notice if there are small holes in the surface. This would indicate [music] the presence of the red or confused flower beetle. These [music] red beetles are easy to see on the surface of the flower, but quickly burrow into the flower when exposed to light or activity. [music] [music] Also watch for small black spots. These beetles are about half the size of the letters on a nickel. It takes a strong magnifying glass or microscope [music] to distinguish them from dirt particles. Often the flower will be speckled with these spots when [music] infested. [music] Look for webbing. Moth larvae produce this webbing where they are feeding. Flower or meal stick to the webbing and is easy to detect by the stringy masses of material. To prevent infestation, many people keep flour [music] in the freezer. This may work if the temperature stays at 0° centigrade for 4 days. At this temperature, the eggs will die. [music] If infested flour is found, scrub containers with soap and hot water. Make sure to remove all the flower particles that adhere to the sides of the container [music] as these are commonly insect eggs which are coated with a sticky secretion and [music] become covered with flour. Once cleaned in this way, containers will be safe for use. There are three main species found on lettuce and other leafy vegetables. Aphids, thris, and flies. Aphas are small, round green bugs, very difficult to see with the naked eye. Their color and size allows them to become virtually invisible on the host leaf. Most aphids measure about 1 millm in length, about the size of the letters on a nickel. To properly check for aphids, it is advisable to use a light box. [snorts] The thicker insect remains dark while light passes through the leaf. Thris are small elongated brown insects. Roughly the same length as an aphid, these pests are only half the width. Easily mistaken for a piece of dirt, it takes some practice to recognize what is an insect and what is not. In the beginning, many find it helpful to have a magnifying glass or jeweler's loop on hand to confirm the actual identity of the speck. Thris move very quickly and may run under curls in the leaf when exposed to light. Vegetable flies resemble house flies. About twice the size of aphids and thris, this black winged insect is the easiest to find. Strawberry insects are very small and difficult to see. about 1 millimeter or a 25th of an inch in length. To the naked eye, these bugs [music] resemble tiny white grains of rice a fraction the size of a strawberry seed. These insects are usually found near the top of the berry. They hide in places that match their own white color, [music] such as the base of the greens or in the depression created by a seed. [music] To properly clean strawberries, wash them [music] in soapy water. Vigorously agitate the [music] water. Rinse off the strawberries [music] well. Finally, it is preferable to cut off the top with a small amount of the flesh.