808-456-7716
Coffee Berry Borer
What is a coffee berry borer?
The coffee berry borer is not native to Hawaii. It is an “introduced”, small beetle native to Africa, though now a major coffee crop destroying beetle worldwide. Since September 2010, this beetle has now been reported at 20 coffee farms throughout Hawaii. This pest destroys crops by using the fruit as a home for its young. The female beetle bores a hole into the coffee berry and lays her eggs inside. When the eggs hatch, the larva eats the coffee seed from the inside out, potentially destroying the crop.
How did they get here?
There is no way to confirm how the coffee berry borer made its way into Hawaii. Their arrival was most likely accidental either in crushed coffee berries on the shoes of migrant farm workers, or by a tourist carrying unroasted coffee beans into the state, but with the large number of coffee crops located throughout Hawaii, it is easy to see why they have made a home here.
Are they dangerous?
Although not a direct threat to humans, the coffee berry borer is responsible for damaging nearly $500 million dollars in coffee crops each year worldwide.
How do I get rid of the coffee berry borer?
So far there has been no way to effectively get rid of the coffee berry borer from plants that are already infested. The best course of action is to prevent the beetles from coming into the state and Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions has built a Fumigation Chamber to provide Quarantine Fumigations with Profume Gas. Our Fumigation Specialists and Certified Applicators will inspect the contents of the chamber, seal the chamber, calculate dosage and apply the necessary fumigant to eradicate all life stages of CBB. All fumigations shall be monitored using a Fumiguide Calculator to assure 100% success before terminating the fumigation.
Is the treatment safe?
Sandwich Isle uses the least amount of material as possible while still resolving the problem. With conventional pesticide and fumigant usage, we follow very strict guidelines for the use of the product so that it poses no threat to people, pets or plants. All products are EPA registered. Our service technicians will inform you of any specific safety measures that need to be taken prior to service.
How soon can you get here?
Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions is committed helping you as soon as possible. To schedule service, please contact us.
How can I prevent the coffee berry borer from infesting in the future?
By continuing to quarantine and fumigate incoming and outgoing coffee crops, the number of new CBB infestations will be reduced.
Where does Sandwich Isle service?
Our Quarantine Fumigation services are available at our new facility in Kona.
