Description, biology and habits of the Khapra Beetle will help correctly identify which beetle has infested your home or business and how to control the pest. You need to know the type of foods the beetle feeds on and its life cycle in order to make a thorough inspection and to choose the best pest control methods. Integrated pest management requires knowing as much as possible about the targeted pest, changing its surroundings to limit its entry and its reproduction.
Inspection, identification, sanitation and structural changes are more important than which pesticide or trap is used in Khapra Beetle control. Sections of this article include description of beetle, Khapra Beetle biology, life cycle and habits of Khapra Beetles and pest control measures. These control measures include sanitation of infested area, crack and crevice pest control and pheromone traps. Pheromones are used in commercial settings such as warehouses. Do-it-yourself pest control or home pest control for pests such as Khapra beetles usually consists of sanitation and extensive crack and crevice work. Crack and crevice control methods are also described in this article.

Khapra Beetle Description: Small round beetles; 1/8” long with dark colored pattern on back usually yellow and brown with various shades on their wings.

Biology of Khapra Beetles: Discovered in the US in 1946, Known to infest warehouses and food processing plants and can infest any structure and prospers in pantries, closets, garages, laundry rooms, and basements where wheat, grain, cereal, barley and rice are stored. Khapra beetles thrive on pet food, grass seed, bird seed and in areas with large Pecan, Walnut, Acorn and other nut trees

Life Cycle and Habits of Khapra Beetle: Larva begin to feed as soon as they find food and will continue for a month. They will then pupate into adults and begin mating and laying eggs. The stages from Larva to adult usually last two to three months, though it is not uncommon to last three to four months. Khapra beetles multiply at an increased rate if food supplies are in abundant. In the average home, infestation is usually limited to a few rooms.

Khapra Beetle Control Measures: Discard any food item suspected of harboring larval or adults. Empty cabinets and treat with Baygon Aerosol in all cracks and crevices where adults like to lay eggs. This spray will break the cycle by killing off emerging larva which will be hatching from eggs that have been laid undetected or hidden from view.

If Khapra Beetles are found throughout the whole house treatment using Permethrin in a pump sprayer should be used, treating all baseboards throughout living areas and in unfinished basements and garage areas. This should last 2-4 weeks and provide a residual so that emerging larva will die off while seeking food.

Our thanks to Lani Powell whose research made this information page possible!

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