Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium)

Importance of Professional Pest Control

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The khapra beetle is a notorious stored-product pest, considered one of the most destructive worldwide

Identification

Physical description: Tiny (1.6-3.0 mm long), oblong-oval beetles with a brownish or reddish-brown coloration. Males are darker than females. Immature larvae are reddish-brown and covered in dense hairs.
Habitat: Found in stored grains, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and other dry food products. They prefer warm, dry environments and can survive in low-moisture food.
Feeding habits: Feed on a wide variety of dry, organic materials. Larvae are particularly destructive, consuming large quantities of food.

Behaviour

Life cycle: Complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval stage can last for several months, and the entire life cycle can take as little as four weeks under ideal conditions.
Activity patterns: Not strong fliers, but larvae are mobile and can crawl long distances to find new food sources. Adults are primarily active at night.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: Presence of adult beetles or reddish-brown larvae in stored food products. Look for shed skins, webbing produced by larvae, and frass (insect droppings) resembling fine powder.
Behavioral signs: Musty odor emanating from infested products. Heating of infested materials due to beetle activity (in severe cases).

Control Methods

Prevention: Maintain clean storage areas, practice good sanitation, and store food products in airtight containers. Regularly inspect stored products for signs of infestation.
Fumigation: Highly effective for eliminating all life stages of the beetle in heavily infested areas. Requires a licensed pest control professional.
Insecticides: Insecticide sprays or dusts may be used in combination with other methods, but be cautious as khapra beetles can develop resistance.
Heat treatment: Exposing infested products to high temperatures can kill all life stages of the beetle.

Importance of Professional Pest Control

Due to the khapra beetle’s resilience and ability to survive in harsh conditions, professional pest control is often recommended for effective management. They have the expertise and specialized methods to eradicate infestations and prevent future problems.

809/36, Negombo Road, Mabola, Wattala

+94 77 368 8979

info@ceylonpestcontrol.com

Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium)

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Control Methods

Importance of Professional Pest Control

Need Help?

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Control Methods

Importance of Professional Pest Control

Fumigation

Pest Control Services

Contact

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