A crawling insect barrier is provided in the form of a plate, coaster, block or the like having an upper support surface comprising an insect free region for supporting an article to be preserved from contact with insects. For example, the article may comprise a container of food. A circuit is formed about the insect free region comprising a crawling insect physical repellent such as diatomaceous earth. In one version of the invention the circuit comprises a moat of talcum powder about the insect free region. In another version of the invention sides of the insect barrier bear the insect repellent to thereby form a circuit, i.e. a closed path, about the insect free region.
