[4] Khapra beetle infestation can spoil otherwise valuable trade goods and threaten significant economic losses if introduced to a new area.

Handling or consuming contaminated grain and seed products can lead to health issues such as skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress.

Borzoi et al. found that rye provides the most optimal environment for breeding and development of individuals.

[9] Conversely, walnut and rice diets reduced female fertility and adult weight of the individuals, while increasing the duration of the larval stage.

As a result, the department immediately began tracking, tracing, inspecting, containing, and treating for the beetles across the ACT and NSW.

The department believes this report and the response to it has effectively kept Khapras out of Australia and provided new information as to how to keep them out in the future.

Research into natural pest management methods has found that extracts from Datura metel leaves present significant contact toxicity and multi-generational effects to Khapra beetles.

[13] The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has established restrictions on grain and cereal imports from regions known for Khapra beetle infestation since July 2011.

[20] Many North African, Middle East, and South Asian countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and India are subject to these regulations.

[22] Australia maintains Khapra beetle import restrictions on all types of seeds, nuts, spices, dried fruits and vegetables, and any unprocessed agricultural products.

[23] Countries of origin in question for this policy include much of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.