Western Australian businesses handling imported goods, particularly from Italy, are encouraged to be on the lookout for an unwelcome stowaway, brown marmorated stink bug.
The alert was prompted following the discovery of dead brown marmorated stink bugs in a consignment of bricks, imported from Italy via Fremantle Port. The dead insects were found inside plastic-wrapped brick pallets delivered to Cardup.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development A/Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer Sonya Broughton said specialised traps and lures for the exotic pest had been placed on the affected property and adjacent businesses.
“Brown marmorated stink bug is a pest that affects many plants including sweet corn, tree nuts and fruits such as apples, peaches, figs, mulberries, citrus and persimmons,” Dr Broughton said.
“Anyone finding this pest (dead or alive) while unpacking imported goods, should secure the package, not move it and report it quickly to the national hotline on 1800 798 636.”
Brown marmorated stink bug is native to eastern Asia (China, Japan and Taiwan) but was introduced to North America in the mid-1990s and more recently to Europe.
It is not established in Australia. There are occasional detections associated with imports and international travel.
Dr Broughton said the stink bug did not pose a risk to people but was regarded as a nuisance pest, seeking shelter in large numbers over winter in homes, vehicles, machinery or sheds.
“Adult stink bugs are about 12-17 mm long, usually mottle brown in colour and have a shield shaped appearance,” Dr Broughton said.
“It produces a foul smelling odour when disturbed. Nymphs are orange and black when they first hatch.”
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