When you're picking up nappies for the grandkids, the last thing you'd expect to find is one of the world's most feared agricultural pests.
Yet that's exactly what happened earlier this month when Khapra beetle larvae were discovered in Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants sold at Woolworths stores across the nation.
This isn't just any garden-variety bug we're talking about. The Khapra beetle is ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat, and for good reason.
If this tiny destroyer manages to establish itself here, it could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years.
What parents and grandparents need to know
If you've recently bought Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants (Walker Size 5, 42 pack) from Woolworths, don't panic, but do pay attention. The larvae were found in a packet purchased in New South Wales on 7 September, and authorities are taking this discovery very seriously indeed.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has issued clear instructions: don't throw the nappies in the bin if you suspect any pest activity. Instead, seal the goods and their packaging in a bag to prevent any potential spread, and call 1800 798 636 immediately.
'Around 80 per cent of our grain exports would be at risk if we were to have a khapra beetle outbreak'
The good news is that Khapra beetles pose no immediate health risk to humans. While they don't bite, sting or transmit disease, when stored products become contaminated, their cast skins and hairs from larvae can cause gastrointestinal, dermatitis and respiratory issues. Still, that's hardly the comfort you want when dealing with baby products.
Why such a small beetle causes such big problems
To understand why authorities are treating this discovery with military-grade seriousness, you need to know what makes the Khapra beetle Australia's agricultural nightmare. This pest can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetles.
What makes Khapra beetle so dangerous
Can survive up to 6 years without food
Thrives in Australia's hot, dry conditions
Feeds on wheat, rice, barley, oats, flour, pasta and dried fruit
Extremely difficult and costly to eradicate once established
Can remain hidden in cracks and crevices for years
Due to its small size, preference for inhabiting crevices and ability to survive for up to 6 years without food, khapra beetle can remain undetected under floors and in cracks and crevices in sea containers. When food becomes available, the population can explode rapidly.
The economic implications are staggering. Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling shows a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade foot and mouth disease outbreak. For a nation that exported $5.8 billion worth of susceptible plant products in 2005-06, this represents an existential threat to our agricultural economy.
Australia's biosecurity fortress under pressure
This latest discovery isn't happening in isolation. In 2020-21, there were an unprecedented 19 khapra beetle interceptions at the Australian border, many hidden in household goods such as baby highchairs, whitegoods and cardboard. The beetle is becoming increasingly crafty in its infiltration attempts.
Australia receives approximately 3 million containers a year, so it's not possible to inspect every sea container when they arrive. Instead, the department allocates effort and resources to the highest-risk sea containers.
How to protect yourself and Australia
- Report any unusual insects in imported goods immediately (1800 798 636)
- Don't dispose of suspicious products—seal them instead
- Check stored pantry items regularly for unusual damage or insects
- Be aware that the pest can hide in packaging, not just food products
- Support Australian-grown produce when possible
The challenge is immense. By analysing interceptions during 2020, the Department found that at least 67 per cent of interceptions are suspected to have been caused by contaminated sea containers. These containers can harbour the pest for years before the right conditions allow populations to explode.
We've faced this threat before
This isn't Australia's first rodeo with the Khapra beetle. There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled. That successful eradication gives authorities confidence they can handle this latest detection, but it also demonstrates how persistent this threat has become.
In August 2020, unknown insects were found in a new refrigerator in Canberra. The buyers reported it to the federal Agriculture Department, which identified them as Khapras, prompting immediate tracking, tracing, inspecting, containing, and treating across the ACT and NSW.
Ramping up the defences
Australia isn't sitting idle. Emergency measures are in place to manage the risk of khapra beetle entering the country, including mandatory pre-border treatment of commercial imports of high-risk plant products and sea containers from khapra beetle target risk countries.
New measures introduced in May 2025 have tightened these requirements even further. The Department has implemented revised wording for gas permeable packaging, additional declarations, new supervision requirements for treatments, and removal of the fourth concentration sampling tube for container fumigation treatments.
What this means for your weekly shop
While the immediate risk to consumers is low, this discovery highlights the complex global supply chains that bring everyday products to our supermarket shelves. The fact that larvae were found in nappies—a product with no obvious connection to agricultural goods—shows how effectively this pest can hitchhike.
The importer and Woolworths have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate, demonstrating that our biosecurity response systems are working as intended.
For seniors managing household budgets, it's worth understanding that successful biosecurity isn't just about exotic threats—it's about keeping everyday groceries affordable. A widespread Khapra beetle incursion wouldn't just affect farmers; it would ripple through to higher food prices for everyone.
Your role in Australia's defence
Every Australian has a part to play in biosecurity, and it often comes down to being observant about the small things. Check stored grain and storage facilities regularly for new pests and unusual damage symptoms.
Look for cast-off skins and make sure you are familiar with common storage pests so you can tell if you see something different.
If you spot anything unusual in imported goods—whether it's nappies, food products, or household items—don't hesitate to report it. Any instance where you suspect the presence of the Khapra beetle must be reported immediately by contacting the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
Prompt reporting is essential for effective biosecurity responses.
This latest discovery might seem like a small story about contaminated nappies, but it's actually a testament to Australia's vigilant biosecurity system working exactly as it should. Every successful interception represents a potential disaster averted.
Have you ever encountered suspicious insects in imported products, or do you have questions about Australia's biosecurity measures? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nappies-s...t-not-known-to-be-in-australia-215009361.html
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Queensland Country Life | QLD
Cited text: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) reported this afternoon that a positive detection of the beetle's larvae was identified i...
Excerpt: Khapra beetle larvae were discovered in Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants sold at Woolworths stores across the nation
https://www.queenslandcountrylife.c...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Farm Weekly | WA
Cited text: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) reported this afternoon that a positive detection of the beetle's larvae was identified i...
Excerpt: Khapra beetle larvae were discovered in Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants sold at Woolworths stores across the nation
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | The Land | NSW
Cited text: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) reported this afternoon that a positive detection of the beetle's larvae was identified i...
Excerpt: Khapra beetle larvae were discovered in Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants sold at Woolworths stores across the nation
https://www.theland.com.au/story/9067835/khapra-beetle-found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Queensland Country Life | QLD
Cited text: Khapra beetle, the grain storage pest ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat, has been detected in the cou...
Excerpt: The Khapra beetle is ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat
https://www.queenslandcountrylife.c...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Farm Weekly | WA
Cited text: Khapra beetle, the grain storage pest ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat, has been detected in the cou...
Excerpt: The Khapra beetle is ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | The Land | NSW
Cited text: Khapra beetle, the grain storage pest ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat, has been detected in the cou...
Excerpt: The Khapra beetle is ranked by the Australian grains industry as its major potential biosecurity threat
https://www.theland.com.au/story/9067835/khapra-beetle-found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle—the story so far… - DAFF
Cited text: A widespread incursion could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years.
Excerpt: it could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/bios...nt/identify/khapra-beetle/khapra-beetle-story
New import conditions target khapra beetle—Grain Central
Cited text: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) Biosecurity & Compliance Group deputy secretary Andrew Tongue said an outbreak of khap...
Excerpt: it could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years
https://www.graincentral.com/news/new-import-conditions-target-khapra-beetle/
New import conditions target khapra beetle—Grain Central
Cited text: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) Biosecurity & Compliance Group deputy secretary Andrew Tongue said an outbreak of khapra c...
Excerpt: it could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years
https://www.graincentral.com/news/new-import-conditions-target-khapra-beetle/
Canberra man recognised for detecting exotic grain pest; government must do more on biosecurity—National Farmers' Federation
Cited text: “An outbreak of khapra beetle could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years through revenue losses from reduction in production and exports.
Excerpt: it could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years
https://nff.org.au/media-release/ca...-pest-government-must-do-more-on-biosecurity/
New measures for khapra beetle treatment—Grain Central
Cited text: “Around 80 per cent of our grain exports would be at risk if we were to have a khapra beetle outbreak, and it would cost our economy $15.5 billion ove...
Excerpt: it could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years
https://www.graincentral.com/news/new-measures-for-khapra-beetle-treatment/
Khapra beetle—DAFF
Cited text: While khapra beetle does not pose an immediate risk to human health, when stored products become contaminated by khapra beetles, their cast skins and ...
Excerpt: While they don't bite, sting or transmit disease, when stored products become contaminated, their cast skins and hairs from larvae can cause gastrointestinal, dermatitis and respiratory issues
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/identify/khapra-beetle
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Farm Weekly | WA
Cited text: Khapra beetle can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetle...
Excerpt: This pest can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetles
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | The Land | NSW
Cited text: Khapra beetle can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetle...
Excerpt: This pest can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetles
https://www.theland.com.au/story/9067835/khapra-beetle-found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | North Queensland Register | QLD
Cited text: Khapra beetle can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetle...
Excerpt: This pest can cause up to 75 per cent losses in stored grain, not only through direct feeding but through contamination with cast skins and beetles
https://www.northqueenslandregister...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle—the story so far… - DAFF
Cited text: Due to its small size, preference for inhabiting crevices and ability to survive for up to 6 years without food, khapra beetle can remain undetected u...
Excerpt: Due to its small size, preference for inhabiting crevices and ability to survive for up to 6 years without food, khapra beetle can remain undetected under floors and in cracks and crevices in sea containers
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/bios...nt/identify/khapra-beetle/khapra-beetle-story
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Farm Weekly | WA
Cited text: Previously, Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling has shown a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade...
Excerpt: Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling shows a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade foot and mouth disease outbreak
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | The Land | NSW
Cited text: Previously, Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling has shown a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade...
Excerpt: Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling shows a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade foot and mouth disease outbreak
https://www.theland.com.au/story/9067835/khapra-beetle-found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | North Queensland Register | QLD
Cited text: Previously, Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling has shown a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade...
Excerpt: Australian biosecurity officers have said modelling shows a Khapra incursion would be as bad for Australian agriculture as a low grade foot and mouth disease outbreak
https://www.northqueenslandregister...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
(PDF) Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium interceptions and eradications in Australia and around the world
Cited text: The gross value of susceptible agricultural production to khapra beetle infestations post-harvest in 2005-06 was AUD · $9.6 billion and the export val...
Excerpt: $5.8 billion worth of susceptible plant products in 2005-06
https://www.researchgate.net/public...radications_in_Australia_and_around_the_world
Grower concern on khapra beetle management | Farm Online | Australia
Cited text: Barry Large, Grain Producers Australia chairman, said in 2020-21 there were an unprecedented 19 khapra beetle interceptions at the Australian border, ...
Excerpt: In 2020-21, there were an unprecedented 19 khapra beetle interceptions at the Australian border, many hidden in household goods such as baby highchairs, whitegoods and cardboard
https://www.farmonline.com.au/story/7572488/grower-concern-on-khapra-beetle-management/
Khapra beetle—the story so far… - DAFF
Cited text: In Australia, we receive approximately 3 million containers a year so it’s not possible for us to inspect every sea container when they arrive. Instea...
Excerpt: Australia receives approximately 3 million containers a year, so it's not possible to inspect every sea container when they arrive.
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/bios...nt/identify/khapra-beetle/khapra-beetle-story
Khapra beetle—the story so far… - DAFF
Cited text: By analysing the interceptions during 2020, the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment found that at least 67 per cent of interceptions are suspe...
Excerpt: By analysing interceptions during 2020, the Department found that at least 67 per cent of interceptions are suspected to have been caused by contaminated sea containers
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/bios...nt/identify/khapra-beetle/khapra-beetle-story
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Farm Weekly | WA
Cited text: There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled.
Excerpt: There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | The Land | NSW
Cited text: There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled.
Excerpt: There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled
https://www.theland.com.au/story/9067835/khapra-beetle-found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | North Queensland Register | QLD
Cited text: There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled.
Excerpt: There was previously a small incursion, also in NSW, in 2020, also in non-agricultural goods, which was able to be controlled
https://www.northqueenslandregister...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle—Wikipedia
Cited text: In August 2020 unknown insects were found in a new refrigerator in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. The buyers reported it to the fe...
Excerpt: In August 2020, unknown insects were found in a new refrigerator in Canberra.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khapra_beetle
111-2025: Khapra beetle measures: Upcoming changes to conditions for offshore treatments and certification—DAFF
Cited text: Australia currently has emergency measures in place to manage the risk of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) entering the country. This includes man...
Excerpt: Emergency measures are in place to manage the risk of khapra beetle entering the country, including mandatory pre-border treatment of commercial imports of high-risk plant products and sea containers from khapra beetle target risk countries
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/111-2025
165-2025: Revised conditions for offshore treatments and certification for khapra beetle now in effect—DAFF
Cited text: As advised in IIAN 111-2025 and IIAN 148-2025, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has now implemented the followin...
Excerpt: The Department has implemented revised wording for gas permeable packaging additional declarations, new supervision requirements for treatments, and removal of fourth concentration sampling tube for container fumigation treatments
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/165-2025
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Queensland Country Life | QLD
Cited text: The importer and Woolworths—who stocked the product nationally—has been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have b...
Excerpt: The importer and Woolworths have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate
https://www.queenslandcountrylife.c...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | Farm Weekly | WA
Cited text: The importer and Woolworths—who stocked the product nationally—has been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have b...
Excerpt: The importer and Woolworths have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate
https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | The Land | NSW
Cited text: The importer and Woolworths—who stocked the product nationally—has been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have b...
Excerpt: The importer and Woolworths have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate
https://www.theland.com.au/story/9067835/khapra-beetle-found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle found in imported nappies poses major threat | North Queensland Register | QLD
Cited text: The importer and Woolworths—who stocked the product nationally—has been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have b...
Excerpt: The importer and Woolworths have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate
https://www.northqueenslandregister...found-in-imported-nappies-poses-major-threat/
Khapra beetle—DAFF
Cited text: Check stored grain and storage facilities regularly for new pests and unusual damage symptoms. Look for cast-off skins.
Excerpt: Check stored grain and storage facilities regularly for new pests and unusual damage symptoms.
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/identify/khapra-beetle
Khapra beetle—DAFF
Cited text: Make sure you are familiar with common storage pests so you can tell if you see something different. The booklet Monitoring stored grain on farm can h...
Excerpt: Check stored grain and storage facilities regularly for new pests and unusual damage symptoms.
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/identify/khapra-beetle
Khapra Beetle Australia: New Import Rules
Cited text: Crucially, any instance where you suspect the presence of Khapra beetle must be reported immediately. To do so, please contact the Exotic Plant Pest H...
Excerpt: Any instance where you suspect the presence of Khapra beetle must be reported immediately by contacting the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
https://genfreight.com.au/khapra-beetle-what-australian-importers-need-to-know/
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