During November 1936, a fine powder was noticed dropping from tea cases on the premises of an industrial firm in London. These cases were constructed of three-ply wood which originated probably from Scandinavia ; it had been brought to India and remained there for probably about 18 months. The cargo arrived in this country in March 1936 and had been lying untouched in the warehouse till November. The interior of the cases was lined with tin. When this was removed, large flat cavities containing living larvae were discovered. Samples were sent to the Imperial Institute of Entomology with a request for information if possible as to where infestation of the timber took place.