Stink bugs found in Melbourne

The stink bug feeds on more than 300 types of fruit and vegetables, and if it becomes established in Victoria could lead to reduced yield and quality of crops, and an increased cost of production for industry to manage it.

Victorian Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov said the Commonwealth Department had reported finding two of the bugs in Clayton, and Agriculture Victoria were now leading the response.

“We have set up trapping within a 2 kilometre radius of the Clayton site, and are letter-boxing 9000 properties in that 2km zone, letting people know to be aware, go out have a look at any veggies they might have growing or fruit trees,” she said.

“You can identify a stink bug by looking at its back. The back is veined and has distinctive black and white branding around the outer edge of its body.

“If you see one, trap it in a container and put it in the freezer and make a report to Agriculture Victoria. Do not crush it as we may need to test the sample.”

Dr Crnov said it was not unusual to have stink bug reports and detection at this time of year, with a heightened risk of the BMSB from September to April during the European winter.

“It is a nuisance pest, it’s not dangerous to people and animals, but a nuisance because it likes to shelter in sheds and machinery in winter, in large numbers, and if disturbed they release an unpleasant odour,” she said.

“This pest is a hitchhiker pest, it comes  on shipping containers, often full of machinery or any imported goods, but fortunately it has been detected early.”