Travellers getting back from Europe and Asia have been requested to rigorously verify their baggage for stink bugs, which may threaten the agriculture trade if reintroduced.
The pressing warning comes after the hitchhiker pest was found within the baggage of a traveller returning to NSW from Asia.
The traveller discovered the stink bug in a pair of pants, positioned it in a jar and froze it, earlier than calling NSW Division of Major Industries (DPI).
Testing confirmed it was a brown marmorated stink bug.
Whereas the pests have been eradicated in NSW since August 2018, Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty urged individuals to be looking out for the bugs of their baggage, together with their garments and sneakers, in addition to round properties and yards.
The bugs feed on greater than 300 plant species together with crops corresponding to apples, peaches, raspberries, candy corn, inexperienced beans, capsicums and tomatoes.
Outbreaks can be extraordinarily troublesome and costly to handle, with the bugs not simply eradicated by way of pesticides.
Grownup bugs are concerning the measurement of a 5 cent coin – 12 to 17mm lengthy and seven to 10mm extensive – and are typically mottled brown in color with white bands on its antennae, legs and the perimeters of their stomach.
The bugs notably launch a robust, putrid odour when disturbed that’s been likened to rancid coriander, ammonia and sulphur.
Ms Moriarty mentioned the smelly pests posed a “severe risk” to the state’s flora and farming trade.
“Sheltering in giant numbers in buildings and tools throughout the winter months, it’s a nuisance pest for companies and households,” she mentioned.
“This unique pest will not be current in Australia and rare detections related to imports and worldwide journey have been managed by way of diligent surveillance by nationwide and state biosecurity authorities.”
Because the stink bugs hibernate in winter, it can sometimes burrow into cargo and baggage of individuals travelling throughout the Northern Hemisphere throughout September to April.
In Australia, importation guidelines and seasonal surveillance in shipments from high-risk places are additionally elevated throughout this time.
Travellers who discover cases of the stink bug are urged to name the NSW Unique Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881 whether or not they’re useless or alive.
