Where it’s found
Khapra beetle is exotic to Australia. This tiny beetle is native to India and has spread to parts of the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
What it affects
Khapra beetle is a serious pest of stored products. It infests grain, rice, oilseeds, dried fruits and other dried plant and animal products, causing contamination and making affected produce unsuitable for use or sale.
If established in Australia, khapra beetle could cause significant losses to stored produce and affect access to domestic and international markets.
Known as a hitchhiker pest, khapra beetle and its larvae stowaway in imported goods. These include stored produce, containers used for storing or moving produce, including in cracks, under floors and in the wall linings of shipping containers.
How to protect against khapra beetle
Everyone has role in keeping this damaging pest out of Australia.
- If you’re opening goods (e.g. household appliances) that have been imported or receive mail parcels from overseas, always be vigilant for signs of contamination in the goods and packaging.
- People who unpack sea containers and who work around imported goods are on the frontline and need to take immediate action if they spot khapra beetle or its larvae.
If you suspect khapra beetle or its larvae, contain it by shutting the containers doors, don’t unpack or move goods, and don’t throw packaging away.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry enforces enhanced biosecurity requirements for containers and goods, exported from countries where khapra beetle is established.
Report a concern
If you have found khapra beetle, larvae or any contamination in imported goods, call the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the See. Secure. Report hotline on 1800 798 636 or use the online reporting form.