In our previous blogs about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) we unpacked the damage these pests can cause and the restrictions some countries are placing on goods entering their ports.
These strict control measures in some countries are to prevent stink bugs from entering because given half a chance, these tiny insects have the ability to devastate crops. Uncontrolled, they could wreak havoc on the economy of the country concerned.
Invasive species:
Originally native to Asia, the BMSB has invaded several countries in Europe, the USA and Canada causing huge damage to crops and residences. It has since been detected and has spread to more than 40 countries.
Prevent stink bug stowaways:
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand as well as the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, has placed strict control measures to prevent any possible ingress of the BMSB.
Updated protocol have been delivered to shippers, agents, and importers that imported cargo must meet the rules to prevent stink bugs from entering these countries.
There are now 38 countries listed that have to comply to strict regulations to enter NZ and Australia, The treatments for the BMSB must be carried out by an approved offshore treatment provider before arrival in in these countries.
High-risk vessels carrying stink bugs:
Some of the high-risk vessels passing South African shores include roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) carriers transporting luxury vehicle brands and earth moving equipment from Europe and China to New Zealand and Australia. Our teams have been successful in eradicating stink bug infestations, thus ensuring cargo can safely be discharged at its destination.
Heightened surveillance of roll-on roll-off vessels will be carried out during the critical season. All ro-ro vessels that berth at, load, or tranship in target risk countries from 1 September to 30 April are subject to:
- conduct self-inspections and respond to specific questions as part of the pre-arrival reporting requirements
- undergo a mandatory seasonal pest inspection on arrival.
To further mitigate the risk of introducing this insect, these two countries have implemented Pest Schemes to reduce any backlogs or delays at their ports.
Goods at risk:
Along with ro-ro vessels, there are also goods that are imported from high-risk countries. Containerised and break bulk goods are also subject to regulation and scrutiny by the Australian and New Zealand departments.
These are a few of the items listed:
- Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal
- Cork and articles of cork
- Articles of iron or steel
- Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof
- Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such article
- Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof
- Ships, boats and floating structures
- Miscellaneous chemical products
- Plastics, Rubber and articles thereof
- Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts and plans
Stowaway insects:
Stowaway insects like the BMSB, the AGM (Asian Gypsy Moth) and PSHB can be hard to detect but once established, an infestation can have huge cost incurring consequences for the country concerned.
Rentokil provides expert pest control services to treat your commodities, containers and shipping vessels for brown marmorated stink bugs, Asian gypsy moth and various other invasive and stored product insects when they dock in South African ports. All services are performed according to SA Quarantine and Inspection Services specification.
Contact us today to ensure that your cargo is not quarantined or turned around at its destination, or to find out more about our fumigation services.
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