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CBP at JFK Intercepts Khapra Beetle

Release Date
Wed, 02/01/2017

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialists Detect insect during an Air Cargo Exam

JAMAICA, N.Y. — The “Beetle Invasion Tour” was stopped prematurely by skilled and alert U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

While inspecting rice contained in the boxes, CBP Agriculture Specialists discovered a suspected Trogoderma specimen and related skins
While inspecting rice contained in the
boxes, CBP Agriculture Specialists
discovered a suspected Trogoderma
specimen and related skins

On January 19, CBP Agriculture Specialists performing an inspection of a shipment of personal effects from Saudi Arabia, discovered two cardboard boxes with clothing, spices, coffee, and other household items. While inspecting rice contained in the boxes, CBP Agriculture Specialists discovered a suspected Trogoderma specimen and related skins. The specimen was sent to the local USDA for a final determination. Later that day, the USDA confirmed that it was in fact a Trogoderma granarium Everts (Dermastidae).

“CBP Agriculture Specialists have once again made a critical intercept of a destructive pest that could potentially cause grave damage to our Agricultural and Economic vitality,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations, New York Field Office.

Trogoderma granarium Everts (khapra beetle) is one of world’s most destructive pests of grain products and seeds. The khapra beetle is an extremely serious pest of grain and other stored products.  This pest may also show up in a variety of locations that are not obvious food sources such as burlap bags, corrugated boxes (where they feed on the glue) and animal hides. Native to India, khapra beetle has spread to other countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Near East, pockets of Europe and Eastern Asia.  It has been nominated as one of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021