Rare, Destructive Beetle Discovered in Luggage at O'Hare Airport

Customs agents at O’Hare International Airport have spotted some particularly unwanted stowaways in baggage twice in the last month.

Khapra beetles were discovered in baggage arriving from India July 8. The beetle—which originates in South Asia and is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world—feasts on grain products and seeds, including rice.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say the agricultural pest was recently found in the belongings of two international travelers. First, beetle skins were found June 27 inside sealed bags of plastic rice, spices, and dried hibiscus in a bag coming from Iraq. In July, the pests were found in baggage arriving from India.

Infestations are tough to control because of the bug’s ability to survive without food for long periods, its preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and its resistance to many insecticides. They’re also known to leave behind contaminants that can sicken people.