Detroit, Michigan, January 21, 2026
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has intercepted a khapra beetle, one of the world’s most destructive grain pests, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The beetle’s remains were found in a traveler’s luggage during a secondary inspection after undeclared seeds were discovered. The khapra beetle poses significant risks to agriculture, as it can infest and destroy stored grain products. Travelers are reminded to declare all agricultural items upon entry to prevent the introduction of such invasive pests.
Detroit, Michigan – Dangerous Grain Pest Intercepted at Detroit Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted the remains of a khapra beetle, considered one of the world’s most destructive grain pests, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in April 2025.
Incident Details
On April 18, 2025, a traveler returning from Lebanon was referred for secondary inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. During the inspection, CBP officers discovered a small bag of undeclared seeds intended for planting purposes in the passenger’s luggage. The seeds were seized, and the traveler received a warning for failing to declare agricultural items before being released.
Discovery of Khapra Beetle Remains
Upon further examination of the seized seeds, CBP agriculture specialists found a single cast skin. Local CBP and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials identified the specimen as a khapra beetle. Due to its invasive nature, the khapra beetle is one of several insects the USDA considers quarantine-significant, whether dead or alive.
Potential Threat to Agriculture
The khapra beetle is native to South Asia and is known to be extremely difficult to detect, which is why even intercepting a cast skin is significant. Infestations can cause stored products to become inedible when the beetle enters warehouses or granaries and can rapidly devastate the nation’s agricultural economy.
CBP’s Role in Protecting Agriculture
CBP officials emphasize the importance of travelers declaring all food and plant items upon arrival in the United States to help prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases. Khapra beetle is one of the many significant threats we face at our borders.
Background on Khapra Beetle
The khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is a species of beetle that originated in South Asia. It is one of the world’s most destructive pests of grain products and seeds. The beetle is known for its ability to survive without food for long periods, its preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and its resistance to many insecticides. Infestations are difficult to control due to the insect’s ability to survive without food for long periods, its preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and its resistance to many insecticides.
Previous Interceptions at Detroit Metropolitan Airport
This incident is part of a series of interceptions by CBP at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. In March 2025, an Egyptian locust was found among the luggage of a traveler arriving from Albania. In February 2025, a bark beetle species was intercepted within a prohibited species of bark carried by a passenger traveling from Africa. These interceptions highlight the ongoing efforts of CBP agriculture specialists to protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests.
Conclusion
The interception of the khapra beetle remains at Detroit Metropolitan Airport underscores the critical role of CBP in safeguarding U.S. agriculture from invasive pests. Travelers are urged to declare all agricultural items upon arrival to prevent the introduction of harmful species into the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the khapra beetle?
The khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is a species of beetle native to South Asia. It is considered one of the world’s most destructive pests of grain products and seeds, known for its ability to survive without food for long periods and its resistance to many insecticides. Infestations can cause significant economic losses in the agricultural sector.
How was the khapra beetle discovered at Detroit Metropolitan Airport?
In April 2025, during a secondary inspection of a traveler returning from Lebanon, CBP agriculture specialists discovered a small bag of undeclared seeds in the passenger’s luggage. Upon further examination, they found a single cast skin, which was identified as belonging to a khapra beetle.
What are the potential risks associated with the khapra beetle?
The khapra beetle poses significant risks to agriculture by infesting stored grain products and seeds, rendering them inedible. Its ability to survive without food for extended periods and its resistance to many insecticides make it challenging to control, potentially leading to rapid devastation of the nation’s agricultural economy.
What actions can travelers take to prevent the introduction of invasive pests?
Travelers are urged to declare all food and plant items upon arrival in the United States. This practice helps prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases that can harm U.S. agriculture. CBP officials emphasize the importance of this declaration to protect the nation’s agricultural resources.
Have there been other interceptions of invasive pests at Detroit Metropolitan Airport?
Yes, CBP has intercepted other invasive pests at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. In March 2025, an Egyptian locust was found among the luggage of a traveler arriving from Albania. In February 2025, a bark beetle species was intercepted within a prohibited species of bark carried by a passenger traveling from Africa. These interceptions highlight the ongoing efforts to protect U.S. agriculture from invasive species.
Key Features of the Khapra Beetle Interception Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan |
| Date of Discovery | April 18, 2025 |
| Traveler’s Origin | Lebanon |
| Item Discovered | Undeclared seeds intended for planting |
| Invasive Pest Identified | Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) |
| Action Taken | Seizure of seeds; traveler issued a warning |
| Potential Threat | Significant risk to U.S. agriculture; potential economic losses |
| CBP’s Recommendation | Declare all food and plant items upon arrival to prevent introduction of invasive pests |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Governor Whitmer’s Swiss Mission to Boost Michigan’s Economy
Invasive Khapra Beetle Discovered at Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
