I happened to mention at work yesterday that a bay leaf stuck in the
cannister of flour or cornmeal will keep the bugs out. Co-worker Steph
exclaimed, "I asked my Mom [who lives in Florida] why she had bay leaves on
the shelves in her cabinets and she said, "It keeps the bugs out."

I sort of thought this was common knowledge, but maybe it's just a Southern
U.S. thing. Bay leaves have a strong scent and those creepy-crawlies that
get into meal and flour don't like it. I have been putting a bay leaf in my
flour and corn meal in my cannisters for years over 20 years.

Another trick I learned, if you live in a humid climate, is to put a few
grains of white rice into your salt shaker. It absorbs the moisture and
keeps the salt free-pouring.

Anyone else have any good simple tips for handling things in the pantry or
around the kitchen?

Jill