Nose out stink bug pest
BIOSECURITY Queensland is urging transport businesses, producers and the general public to look out for the brown marmorated stink bug.
Biosecurity Queensland plant biosecurity officer Rebecca Sapuppo said early detection was the key to controlling the bug and stop it spreading to Queensland.
“The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is responsible for national border quarantine controls and they have enhanced cargo inspection regimes to minimise the chance of this exotic plant pest establishing in Australia,” she said.
“However, this stink bug is such a serious threat to our agriculture and urban environment that every Queenslander needs to play their part in looking for and responding to suspect incidents of the pest. Early detection is the key to successful eradication.
“We’re asking people to keep a watch out for these bugs and if found, whether they’re dead or alive, report them to Biosecurity Queensland so we can follow up and investigate.”
She said the pest frequently “hitchhikes” on goods containers and can cause major damage to farms.
“If you suspect you have seen a brown marmorated stink bug, whether it’s dead or alive, take a photo and report the location to Biosecurity Queensland by phoning 13 25 23. If possible and it’s safe to do so, secure the insect in a container and place it in the freezer (for ID purposes).”