Port Huron CBP Intercepts the Destructive Khapra Beetle

PORT HURON, Mich. - On November 29, CBP Agriculture Specialists discovered remnants of a khapra beetle in a cargo shipment at the Blue Water Bridge. A shipment of split and washed "moong dal" (mung) beans from India was targeted as a high risk of pest infection. Upon inspection, cast skins of suspected khapra beetle were found and the shipment was refused entry pending identification. The cast skins were positively identified as Trogoderma granarium Everts (khapra beetle) by Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Entomologists on December 1.

The khapra beetle, with origins in South Asia, is one of the world’s most destructive pests of grains, dry beans, and other stored products. It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world. Any shipment containing remnants or actual specimens dead or alive of the khapra beetle will not be allowed entry into the United States. "I am proud of the tremendous efforts and significant results achieved by our Agriculture Specialists," said Port Director Andrew Douglas. "Their sustained focus to guard our borders and beyond from invasive species that could cause substantial damage to the nation's agriculture industry and our economy is demonstrated on a daily basis." This is the fourth khapra beetle interception from a commercial shipment in Port Huron. All of the commercial shipment interceptions have been from commodities originating in India.