Biosecurity Queensland is urging the community to be on the lookout for the khapra beetle after the exotic pest species was recently detected in Australia.

The Australian Government is managing and investigating several khapra beetle detections in imported cargo in the Australian Capital Territory.

Khapra beetles are spread through the movement of infested stored grain and products e.g. flour, breakfast cereals, or as contamination of seed, machinery and straw. They can also hitchhike in shipping containers or on non-food goods, such as household furnishings, refrigerators, car parts, nuts and bolts.

Queensland’s warm and subtropical climate can create the perfect breeding environment for the khapra beetle if established.

The exotic pest species can cause significant damage to stored products as the larvae crawl over, eat and contaminate the products.

Cast skins and hair from the larvae contaminate grain, which can be a health risk, and are difficult to remove from grain storage structures and transport vessels.

The khapra beetle is well-established in many regions of the world including parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. It prefers hot, dry conditions and will not usually be present outdoors or in damp areas.

Help us keep Queensland free of the khapra beetle and report any possible sightings to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, particularly if you have received goods which may have recently arrived from overseas.