In 1953, the khapra beetle reached US grain stores; authorities fumigated more than 600 infested sites before declaring it eradicated in 1966
A tiny brown beetle, the khapra beetle, was discovered in California in 1953. This insect posed a significant threat to stored commodities and agricultural trade. The United States launched a massive, 13-year eradication campaign involving extensive fumigation efforts. This operation included over 600 infested sites and nearly 97,000 property inspections. While eradicated in 1966, the beetle remains a high-priority quarantine pest due to its resilience.
A tiny brown beetle, the khapra beetle, was discovered in California in 1953. This insect posed a significant threat to stored commodities and agricultural trade. The United States launched a massive, 13-year eradication campaign involving extensive fumigation efforts. This operation included over 600 infested sites and nearly 97,000 property inspections. While eradicated in 1966, the beetle remains a high-priority quarantine pest due to its resilience.
