Increased surveillance for the new stink bug season starting September is being undertaken by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Biosecurity New Zealand.
Brown marmorated stink bugs aggregate during the autumn season and can be found anywhere there is a warm spot as the weather cools down.
The bugs crawl into small, confined spaces to hibernate and vehicles and machinery attract them.
VIA reminds members that the Border Inspection Agencies (BIOs) are looking after the NZ market, by carrying out heat treatments on vehicles and machinery being exported from Japan.
There are 32 “Schedule 3” countries that are classified as “at risk countries,” treatment is mandatory for all goods being exported to NZ from these countries.
VIA says if you are importing from Japan, ensure your agent ships vehicles through one of the authorised BIOs, such as JEVIC, ATL or IBC/AT Japan.
If you are importing from elsewhere that are “Schedule 3” countries, ensure your agents are familiar with the import health standardsand all vehicles are treated by MIP and Biosecurity NZ approved treatment providers.
VIA recommends listening to Radio NZ’s programme, which explains how to work together so that the stink bugs do not establish in the country.
