What is the Khapra beetle?
Q: What is the Khapra beetle?
A: The Khapra beetle, also known as Trogoderma granarium, is a destructive pest of grain products and seeds that originated in South Asia.
Q: Why is the Khapra beetle considered one of the worst invasive species in the world?
A: The Khapra beetle is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world because of its destructive nature towards grain products and seeds.
Q: Why are infestations of the Khapra beetle difficult to control?
A: Infestations of the Khapra beetle are difficult to control because of their ability to survive without food for long periods, their preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and their resistance to many insecticides.
Q: What is the federal quarantine regarding the importation of rice into the U.S.?
A: The federal quarantine restricts the importation of rice into the U.S. from countries with known infestations of the Khapra beetle.
Q: What are some characteristics of the Khapra beetle that make it difficult to get rid of once it has infested an area?
A: Some characteristics of the Khapra beetle that make it difficult to get rid of once it has infested an area include its ability to survive without food for an extended period, its preference for dry environments, and its resistance to many insecticides.
Q: How can the Khapra beetle be prevented from spreading to other countries?
A: The Khapra beetle can be prevented from spreading to other countries by implementing strict quarantine measures, particularly on food and seeds that may be contaminated with the beetle.
Q: What can be done to control the infestation of the Khapra beetle?
A: To control the infestation of the Khapra beetle, pest control measures such as fumigation and sanitation of infested areas can be undertaken. However, controlling infestations of the Khapra beetle remains challenging due to their resilience and resistance to many insecticides.
