Threatening Beetles Caught at LAX, LA/LB Seaport

Insecticide-Resistant “Khapra” Beetle Among World’s Most Destructive Pests
(Tuesday, November 08, 2011)

contacts for this news release

Los Angeles— U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport intercepted a total of five live larvae, two dead adults and three cast skins of Khapra beetle in shipments arriving from India and United Arab Emirates.

CBP agriculture specialists at Los Angeles International Airport and Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport intercepted a total of five live larvae, two dead adults and three cast skins of Khapra beetle.

On Oct. 21, CBP agriculture specialists at LAX discovered five live larvae in a shipment of basmati rice from India. A day before, CBP agriculture specialists at the LA/LB Seaport found two dead adult beetles while inspecting a shipment of beans arriving from United Arab Emirates. U.S. Department of Agriculture Systematic Entomology Laboratory identified all the specimens as Trogoderma graniarum Everts, also know as Khapra beetle.

“By preventing the entry of harmful pests, CBP agriculture specialists protect United States agriculture and food supply resources,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “Since Khapra beetle infestations are notoriously costly and difficult to eradicate, our agriculture mission is a top priority.”

The Khapra beetle can survive for long periods of time in hot, dry conditions. Infestations can lead to economic loss of valuable grain or other domestic or export products; lowered quality of products due to contamination; costs associated with prevention and treatment; and consumer health risks when exposed to products contaminated with insect parts.

Countries known to have Khrapa beetle are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

As of Oct. 21, CBP agriculture specialists have made 190 Khapra beetle interceptions at U.S. ports of entry this year compared to 37 last year.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.