Short answer
Placing dried bay leaves in kitchen cabinets and food containers is a widely shared household tip for discouraging pantry pests such as weevils, moths and ants. The idea is popular, but solid scientific proof that it protects a pantry is limited. It is best treated as a low-cost extra, not as pest control on its own.
Why people use bay leaves
Bay leaves have a strong, aromatic smell. They contain natural plant compounds, including ones commonly named as eucalyptol and linalool, that are often cited as the reason insects dislike them. Many online sources describe the scent as confusing or off-putting to insects so they are less likely to settle in dry goods. Home cooks like the idea because bay leaves are cheap, widely available, food-safe and may already be in the spice rack.
What the evidence says
Most of what you will find online comes from home-tip articles, social media posts and anecdotes. Laboratory studies have looked at bay laurel extracts and essential oils against some stored-product insects, but results from concentrated oils do not necessarily carry over to a few dried leaves on a shelf. Real-world results are mixed, and many people report that it helps while others see no change.
So a fair summary is this: bay leaves are harmless to try, but do not rely on them. If you have a pest problem, cleaning and storing food properly will do more.
How people use bay leaves in cabinets
If you want to try it, common methods include:
- In containers. Drop one or two dried leaves into canisters or bags of flour, rice, pasta or beans.
- On shelves. Place whole leaves in corners of shelves or on the shelf liner.
- On lids. If you are concerned about the scent reaching delicate foods, tape a leaf to the underside of the lid instead.
- Near entry points. Some people tuck leaves in the corners of cabinets where pests might enter.
The scent fades over time. Many tips suggest replacing leaves every few months, or when they no longer smell strong. Do not rely on a leaf you suspect has lost its scent.
Because whole leaves are stiff and not pleasant to eat, take them out of the food before cooking. If you have a cat or dog, keep the leaves out of reach; cooking bay leaves are not meant to be eaten whole.
Which bugs do they target?
Online tips claim bay leaves deter weevils, flour beetles, pantry moths, ants, cockroaches, silverfish and clothes moths. There is no solid evidence that they work equally well, or at all, against each of these. If you are dealing with a specific pest, a pest control professional or your local cooperative extension office can tell you what is most likely to work.
What works better
For pantry pests, the steps below are consistently recommended over any single repellent:
- Store dry goods in airtight containers. Glass, metal or sturdy plastic with tight lids keep pests out and stop them from spreading. Our guide to dry storage conditions covers temperature, humidity and shelving.
- Keep cabinets clean. Vacuum crumbs and spills, and wipe shelves.
- Check new groceries. Pests often arrive in a bag of flour, grain or pet food.
- Rotate stock. Use older food first and avoid keeping unopened bags for years.
- Reduce humidity and clutter. Overfilled cabinets give pests places to hide. Our overview of why kitchen storage matters and how to maximize it explains how to keep cabinets orderly.
If you already have bugs
- Find the source. Look through flour, rice, cereal, spices, pet food and bird seed.
- Throw out infested food in a sealed bag, and take it outside.
- Empty the cabinet, vacuum corners and hinges, and wash shelves.
- Put what is left in airtight containers.
- Keep watching for several weeks. If the problem continues, ask a licensed pest professional.
Other places people use bay leaves
The same tip is often used in closets and drawers, with a leaf tucked between folded sweaters or linens. The same caution applies: it may add a pleasant scent, but it is not a proven replacement for clean, sealed storage. For fabric-specific advice, see how to store velvet clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Do bay leaves keep bugs out of cabinets?
They are a popular folk remedy, but the evidence that they reliably keep bugs out is limited. Use them as a supplement, not a fix.
Which bugs don’t like bay leaves?
Online sources most often mention weevils, flour beetles, pantry moths, ants, roaches and silverfish. Results vary, and none of these claims should be treated as guaranteed.
How often should I replace bay leaves in a cabinet?
Common advice is every couple of months, or once the scent fades.
How can I get rid of bugs in my kitchen?
Find and throw out infested food, clean the cabinets thoroughly and move dry goods into airtight containers. If bugs keep returning, contact a pest control professional.