Scientific name: Trogoderma granarium Family: Dermestidae Order: Coleoptera Risk level: Very high Category: Beetle
?What is the khapra beetle
Scientific name: Trogoderma granarium
Family: Dermestidae
Order: Coleoptera
Risk level: Very high
Category: Beetle
The khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is listed among the world’s most dangerous pests and is subject to strict international agricultural-quarantine protocols. It can tolerate severe dryness and pesticides; its larvae may enter diapause for years when conditions deteriorate. Native to South Asia, it has spread to the Middle East and North Africa.
Life cycle of the khapra beetle
It undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid directly on food, and the larva is the damaging stage. A full generation takes 4–8 weeks. Multiple generations may breed in an infested warehouse.
Distribution of the khapra beetle
It occurs in food warehouses worldwide and is common in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, especially in hot warehouses.
Damage and risks associated with the khapra beetle
It can destroy grain and legumes completely, causing 30–70% losses in severe infestations. Larval hairs irritate workers’ respiratory systems and skin.
Signs of a khapra beetle infestation
Signs include adult insects around light sources; larvae and silken threads in food (moths); droppings and hollow grains caused by weevils and beetles; and small white eggs on food.
Where khapra beetles are found
They infest dry grain and legumes in hot, dry warehouses and hide in cracks, wood and equipment.
Khapra beetle control methods
Monitor with pheromone traps. Spray the warehouse with pyrethroids. Fumigate stored products with phosphine or methyl bromide. For physical control, lower the temperature below 10°C or raise it above 55°C. Rotate stock using FIFO.
Khapra beetle control products
Pyrethroids for warehouses, phosphine (PH₃) for fumigation, deltamethrin for residual spraying and diatomaceous earth for grain.
Requirements for controlling khapra beetles in food facilities
FSSC 22000 Version 7: stored-product pests are high priority. Pheromone traps with weekly documentation are mandatory. BRCGS: stored-product pests in a product constitute a major Non-Conformance.
A fact about the khapra beetle
Khapra beetles are prohibited in grain imports to Spain, the European Union, Canada and Australia. Detection in a single shipment can lead to destruction of the cargo and closure of the port for an investigation.
Frequently asked questions about the khapra beetle
Q: How do stored-product pests enter a facility?
A: Usually through incoming shipments. Carefully inspect samples from each shipment and quarantine new purchases.
Q: Is a low temperature enough to eliminate stored-product pests?
A: Yes. Temperatures below 10°C for two weeks stop reproduction and kill vulnerable stages. Temperatures below −18°C for three days kill all stages
