Stay alert to hitchhiker pests
Do you work with newly imported sea containers or goods?
If yes, keep an eye out for exotic pests!
Serious pests can hitch a ride to Australia in and on sea containers and in imported goods.
Even the smallest bug can have huge impacts. They harm our food and fibre industries, environment, and economy. If these hitchhiking pests were introduced into Australia, it would cost billions of dollars to remove or control them.
In the last few years, we have found more hitchhiker pests at our international borders. The rise in these detections is due to the increased movement of people and cargo, the spread of pests overseas, and climate change.
Hitchhiker pests can include bugs, rodents, snails, bees and toads—to name a few. Some examples you may know of include khapra beetle and brown marmorated stink bug.
We ask that everyone who works with or receives imported goods and sea containers to watch for hitchhiker pests. Report any suspicious sightings to our See. Secure. Report. hotline on 1800 798 636 or via our online form.
More information is available on the department’s website.