The NSW Government is warning travellers to check their luggage for an unwanted stowaway.
A brown stink bug, called Halyomorpha halys, was recently found inside a NSW home by a traveller who had arrived from Asia.
Upon investigation by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), another stink bug was found hidden in the pocket of a pair of pants from the luggage.
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The DPI say they are now investigating to ensure no stink bugs escaped the house.
The brown marmorated stink bugs often stow away in cargo from the northern hemisphere between September to April.
The bugs are known to feed on more than 300 plant species, meaning it would be extremely difficult and expensive to manage in Australia if the bugs were to spread.
“Look for brown marmorated stink bug in your luggage, including clothes and shoes, around the home and in yards and call the NSW Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881 if you find any – dead or alive,” Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said.
“Not only does this stink bug release a disgusting odour, it’s a serious threat to households and horticultural industries as it damages plants, including vegetable and fruit crops and ornamental trees.”
The bugs are approximately 12-17mm long and 7-10 mm wide, about the size of a 5c coin, and vary in colour but generally have mottled brown bodies with white bands on antennae, legs and the sides of their abdomen.
They emit a strong odour when disturbed.
The stink bug feeds on fruiting plants, including ornamentals and vegetables.
In August 2018, it was successfully eradicated in NSW following its detection in Western Sydney warehouses in the 2017-18 summer.
Importation rules for cargo arriving from high-risk locations have been strengthened, and increased seasonal surveillance from September to April has been in place since.
