MPI beef up border security after stink bug invasion

MPI have increased surviellance efforts to prevent the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug entering the country.

A small stinky insect invading New Zealand has triggered a spate of new border security measures.

The brown marmorated stink bug has forced the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to beef up border security and consider deploying dogs to stop the evil-smelling animal.

An MPI newsletter said biosecurity staff reported a "spike" in interceptions over the summer.

"Between 1 October and 31 March, border staff made 34 interceptions across a range of imported goods and pathways, including vehicles, sawn timber and personal effects," it said.

13 of the 34 bugs were alive when intercepted.

MPI said there was a new requirement for some vehicles and machinery from the United States to be treated prior to shipment.
"We are also trialling the use of detector dog [sic] for finding stink bugs should any make it past MPI's border defences," the newsletter said.

Consignments of household goods sent from the USA could now be "devanned" or unsealed only at transitional, MPI-approved facilities.

The ministry said the bug was "a highly destructive pest" that consumed more than 300 plant species.

Its diet included fruit trees, grapes and berries, woody ornamental plants such as roses and some field crops, including corn and asparagus.

MPI previously said the bugs "aggressively invaded" the United States and could become a serious problem here.

The animal was a pest in America after being introduced accidentally, a Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) fact sheet said.

Penn State said the critter had long been bugging farmers in its native China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

The university said the malodorous insect could trigger allergic reactions, including conjunctivitis, in people sensitive to the bugs' odour.

"Additionally, if the insects are crushed or smashed against exposed skin they have been reported to produce dermatitis at the point of contact," Penn State added.
Adult animals were usually about 1.7cm long. Penn State said they had shades of brown on their upper and lower body surfaces.

Lighter bands on the antennae distinguished the species from other stink bugs.