The Lesser Grain Borer is a destructive pest of stored grains and is found worldwide. Native to Australia, it has spread globally due to international trade, infesting a variety of stored products.

Reproduction and Breeding:

Lesser Grain Borers undergo a complete metamorphosis, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay eggs on or near stored grains, and the larvae feed on the internal contents of the grains.

Feeding Habits:

As a stored product pest, the larvae of Lesser Grain Borers primarily feed on grains, including wheat, rice, and maize. Their feeding activities lead to the degradation of stored products and a decrease in market value.

Hiding and Living in Stored Products:

Lesser Grain Borer larvae infest stored grains, creating tunnels as they feed. They are highly adaptable and can survive in various environmental conditions, making control challenging.

Damages to Stored Products:

Infestations of Lesser Grain Borers can result in significant damage to stored grains, affecting their quality and rendering them unfit for consumption.

Control Recommendations:

Product Inspection: Regularly inspect stored grains for signs of infestation, including the presence of live borers, damaged grains, or frass (insect excrement).

Temperature Management: Implement temperature control measures in storage facilities, as Lesser Grain Borers thrive in warmer conditions.

Proper Sealing: Ensure proper sealing of storage containers to prevent infestation. Repair any cracks or gaps that may serve as entry points for the pests.