Rogue stink bugs detected in western Sydney

A biosecurity advice was issued by National Garden Industry Association (NGIA) National Nursery Industry Biosecurity Program Team 2017 that 38 Brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) were found on timber pallets and boxes while staff of a warehouse were unpacking a consignment of electrical equipment imported from Italy.

The goods were sprayed and shrink-wrapped before being moved to a container.

Bug specimens were taken to Sydney laboratories where an entomologist identified them as brown marmorated stink bug.

The infested container and the warehouse were fumigated and traps were set. The premise was searched for specimens.

The bug is listed within the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources' Top 40 unwanted plant pests.

The pest poses a significant threat to agriculture due to its wide host range and the damage it can do to vegetable and fruit crops, plus ornamental trees.

According to the biosecurity advice, the insect is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including agricultural crops such as nuts, grains, berries, cotton, citrus, soybean and some ornamental and weed plant species.

RELATED READING

While feeding, the bug’s saliva causes significant damage to plant tissues.

The NGIA reminded the public the bug was not a risk to human health but regarded as a nuisance pest because it seeks sheltered places to overwinter such as inside homes, vehicles, machinery or sheds, often in large numbers.

Ausveg national manager of science and extension, Jessica Lye, said there were no expected trade impacts due to the detection, however DAF would work with overseas trading partners should any issues arise.

Resources would work with overseas trading partners should any issues arise.

"Anyone who works around or receives imported goods should always be vigilant for pests which can be attached to containers, within the goods of the container or to other goods like machinery," Ms Lye said.

"If you notice any bugs or other pests, don’t remove the contents of the container, shut the doors and don’t allow the container to be moved. 

Growers were advised to check their plants for the presence of any new pests.

The bugs are visibly large (12-17mm long) and give off a strong odour when disturbed.

Members of the public that notice any large congregation of bugs should report it to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources by phoning the Report Hotline on 1800 798 636.

Biosecurity officers will undertake a weekly fog and inspection of the detection premise for a minimum of three weeks following the detection.

Residents in the vicinity of the affected warehouse have been contacted by officers from NSW DPI or provided with relevant information.

The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) met in response to the incident and will continue to meet to determine whether or not it is technically feasible to eradicate.

The committee will provide its recommendations to the National Biosecurity Management Group for decision.

​In February 2015​, federal agriculture minister, Barnaby Joyce, made a point of talking up the efforts going into preventing the bug from reaching Australian shores.

“The bugs are about the size of a five cent coin and they can hide in the nooks and crannies of large-scale machinery that is then packed and stacked on to vessels that are up to 300 metres long,” Mr Joyce said at the time.

“Our scientists and biosecurity officers have been working to develop measures that can be applied there to stop these bugs hitch-hiking a ride to Australia.”

Brown marmorated stink bugs were detected on a vessel in early December 2014. The detection prompted strengthened biosecurity measures at Australian ports and entry points.​ 

Members of the public that notice any large congregation of bugs should report it to DAF on 1800 798 636.