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BMSB – The Number One Bug on Australia’s No Entry List

Photo by Bankim Desai on Unsplash

It’s a well-documented, scientific fact that for our eco-systems to not only survive but actually thrive, we need to co-exist with a wide variety of insects. However, there’s one insect that is persona non grata in Australia.

If you’ve ever shipped anything into Australia then you’re familiar with BMSB fumigation. The brown marmorated stink bug is considered a huge biosecurity risk in many countries, including Australia. Keep reading if you want to know why.

What is a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug?

This little critter is more commonly known as a “stink bug”. As a member of the Pentatomidae bug family, they are primarily found in Asian as well as African countries.

An adult brown marmorated stink bug is around 1.7cm long. It’s easy to tell them apart from other insects because they boast a unique heraldic shield-shaped back. For the most part, they’re different shades of brown but can also be different hues of black, copper and even red.

Why are They Called “Stink bugs”?

You must admit, the term stink bug sounds a little bit odd and ominous at the same time. They have this unusual nickname for good reason though.

Like so many other creatures in the wild, stink bugs use a pungent scent to keep enemies at bay. When it feels threatened, the stink bug will secrete a strong chemical that’s even offensive to humans. Glands situated under the thorax secrete the odour to chase off lizards, birds and even spiders.

Why the Stringent “No Stink Bug” Rule in Australia?

In countries where the stink bug isn’t naturally integrated into their ecosystems, this little beast is a huge threat. This has largely to do with its ability to annihilate crops and other vegetation at momentous speeds. Here’s an example from the U.S.

Stink bugs were accidentally introduced into a field of crops in Pennsylvania in 1998. By 2010, a mere 12 years later, an estimated $37 million in crops in the whole area had been completely decimated. For many farmers, this was about 90% of their seasonal crops.

The real problem with stink bugs is not just that they eat the fruit or vegetables, but that they kill the whole plant. As they eat the fruit, they inject an enzyme into the plant which kills the whole organism. This means the crop needs to completely regrow from new seeds. That said, it’s easy to see why Australian biosecurity is so strict about these pests getting anywhere near our crops!

How Would a Stink Bug Get into Australia?

You might think that because they don’t currently exist in Australia, the chances of them getting in are very unlikely. However, with many people sending containers of goods to Australian shores every day, the easiest way for a dreaded stink bug to get into our eco-system would be to hitch a ride from its home country.

What is BMSB Fumigation?

The good news is legislation has made it easy to take the required steps to keep this bug out. All goods coming into Australia via shipping container transport must undergo BMSB treatment by a certified AQIS service provider.

The measures taken in the fumigation process include the following:

  • All containers and products must undergo a fumigation process using government-approved fumigants such as Sulfuryl Fluoride
  • These treatments will destroy any living stink bugs as well as any larvae or eggs
  • Service providers have to adhere to strict biosecurity measures and also need to issue a certificate upon completion
  • It’s the product owner’s responsibility to get the fumigation done and they also bear the cost of the process
  • The importer has to ensure that all cargo being imported is fumigated and has the necessary documents and certificates as proof at the loading port

Additional Tips to Keep Stink Bugs Out of Australia

It’s true that stink bugs won’t just stow away in shipping containers but in any products. They could accidentally end up in the smallest parcel.

Here are a few additional steps you can take to further reduce the risk of bug entry into Australia:

  • Ask anyone sending you a parcel or package to thoroughly check and clean items before sending
  • If you’re travelling, shake out your clothes and luggage before packing for your trip back to Australia
  • Clean the underside of any shoes and pack each pair in a separate plastic bag in your luggage
  • Ordering goods online from an overseas supplier also has risks so ensure that you check received parcels for any bugs, larvae or eggs
  • Stick to the regulations of what may be imported or brought into the country as these pests can easily stow away on food items, inside wooden ornaments and even inside books

Final Thought

If left to roam wild, stink bugs can become a dangerous threat to Australia’s food security. It’s vital for anyone planning imports to Australia to ensure that all items receive the regulated fumigation. Since everyone benefits from an economy with healthy food security as its base, we should all do our bit to keep these creepy critters out!

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