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Oakland, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered live insect larvae while inspecting a shipment from India last Wednesday. The larvae were later identified as juvenile-stage Khapra beetles (Trogoderma granarium). This interception is the second of its kind at the Oakland seaport in just over 30 days.

The Khapra beetle, considered one of the world's most destructive pests of grain products and seeds, originates in regions including India and Bangladesh. It is a federal quarantine pest and, while not native to the United States, was temporarily established in the country until its eradication in 1966. This pest thrives in warm, dry climates. It can survive for several years with little food, often hiding in cracks and crevices.

The Khapra beetle can cause significant weight loss (between 5 - 30 percent, extreme cases of 70 percent) in stored grain when left undisturbed. Damage also may lead to significant reduction in seed viability. Severe infestations may cause unfavorable changes in chemical composition. Additionally, the beetle can damage dry commodities of animal origin. Large numbers of larval skins and setae may cause dermatitis and/or allergic reactions. While feeding, the beetle contaminates grain with body parts and setae which are known to cause gastrointestinal irritation. Larvae can move in and out of sacked material and weaken the sacks.

“Once again, CBP agriculture specialists have demonstrated their important role in protecting America’s agricultural economic interests,” said San Francisco Director of Field Operations Richard Vigna.

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.