Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium interceptions and eradications in Australia and around the world Cheryl Day ab and Ben White ab* aSchool of Agricultural and Resource Economics, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia bPlant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia *E-mail address:
[email protected] 11 October 2016 Working Paper 1609 School of Agricultural and Resource Economics http://www.are.uwa.edu.au Citation: Day, C. and White, B. (2016) Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium interceptions and eradications in Australia and around the world. SARE Working paper 1609, School of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.23786.31682 © Copyright remains with the authors of this document. Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium interceptions and eradications in Australia and around the world Cheryl Day and Ben White Abstract The number of recorded intercepts and eradications of khapra beetle ( Trogoderma granarium ) have increased in Australia and the United States in recent years. Khapra beetle is one of the most destructive stored grain pests, and infestations can destroy the quality of grain and other commodities rendering the product unfit for human consumption. This pest can be easily transported from khapra beetle countries undetected as live beetles, eggs and larvae or in a state of diapause, with the transfer of people and goods around the world. Historically, discovery of khapra beetle post-border has generally resulted in costly eradication programs including methyl bromide fumigation and years of surveillance. Misidentification, failed detection or lack of preparedness has led to slow responses and at times the wide distribution of the pest prior to action.