Khapra Beetle

Trogoderma granarium

The Khapra Beetle is one of the world’s most destructive pests of stored grain products and seeds. Its feeding damage often spoils 30 percent of the product; up to 70 percent damage has been reported. Previous U.S. detection of this tiny beetle have required massive, long-term and costly control and eradication efforts. Established infestations are difficult to control because the beetle can survive without food for long periods, requires little moisture, hides in tiny cracks and crevices, and is relatively resistant to many insecticides and fumigants.*

 

How to Prevent Infestation of Khapra Beetles in Food Packaging
ProvisionGard™ is a brand of patented water based coatings and flexible packaging polymers that contain an active insect growth inhibitor ingredient to control insect infestation of foods packaged in paper or film packaging. ProvisionGard™ will prevent insect infestations for over 2 years. The formulations are non hazardous and compliant with EPA and FDA CFR rulings for food contact. Ideal for Rice packaging insect prevention.

• Download the ProvisionGard PDF to learn more.

Read the study of how ProvisionGard was used in food packaging larval development and packaging penetration or invasion from the Journal of Stored Products Research here.

Courtesy
United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
and aphis.usda.gov

Why is the Khapra Beetle a Threat?

• The Khapra beetle is a destructive pest of stored grain and other dried plant—as well as animal—products.

• It is able to survive almost anywhere in storage facilities that are protected from cold environments.

• This pest is known for its “dirty eating” behavior; by feeding only a little on each grain, one tiny beetle can damage a surprising amount of stored product.

• Prefers hot, dry areas.

What is at Risk?

• Wheat

• Barley

• Oats

• Rye

• Maize

• Rice

• Flour

• Malt

• Noodles

• Stored agricultural products, including spices, grains and packaged foods

Where is the Source of this Threat?

• The Khapra beetle is native to India and has become established in other countries in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Africa.

• In 1953, an extensive infestation was found in California. Subsequent surveys revealed its presence in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. These infestations were eradicated in 1996. During 1980-1997, several other infestations were discovered and eradicated in isolated areas of California, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

• Visible Khapra beetle or larvae. The adult beetle is brown in color and small, between 2-3 millimeters long. (One millimeter is the thickness of a dime.) Adults possess wings, but aren’t known to fly.

• Small brown beetles, larvae or cast skins infesting grain, dried food and cereal products.

• Similar infestation signs on almost any dried animal matter, including dog food.

What Can Be Done?

ProvisionGard™ offers highly efficient security guarding against Khapra Beetle infestation to packaged dry food in uses such as shipping, storage and consumer packaging.