As we move through stink bug season (1 September to 30 April), MPI is reminding New Zealanders that one of our biggest biosecurity threats could arrive hidden inside international parcels and online shopping deliveries.
The Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is not currently present in New Zealand, but it is classed as an unwanted organism and remains one of the highest-risk invasive pests for our country.
With more people shopping online and receiving goods from overseas, checking your parcels at home is now an important part of protecting New Zealand.
Early detection is critical. That’s why MPI is encouraging everyone to know what to look for , and to report anything suspicious.
Check your parcels: How stink bugs could arrive in New Zealand
Brown marmorated stink bugs are highly effective hitch-hikers.
During colder months, adult stink bugs look for warm places to hide and can accidentally travel to New Zealand inside:
- Parcels and packaging
- Housewares and personal effects
- Luggage and mail
- Vehicles, machinery and cargo
As part of its current campaign, MPI is asking people to carefully check overseas parcels and deliveries, as insects can shelter inside boxes, wrapping and products ordered from international retailers.
MPI has strong border controls and screening in place, but there is no such thing as zero risk, which is why what happens after parcels arrive at your home matters too.
Opening overseas packages carefully and knowing what to look for helps stop pests before they have a chance to escape and establish.
What should I do if I find one?
If you find a suspicious insect:
- Do not release it
- Catch or contain it if safe
- Take a clear photo if possible
- Report it immediately
Call MPI: 0800 80 99 66
or report online below
FAQs
What is the brown marmorated stink bug?
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive agricultural pest originally from Asia. It has spread aggressively through the United States and Europe, causing major damage to fruit crops and ornamental plants.
If it were to establish in New Zealand, it could seriously impact:
- Native ecosystems
- Horticulture and fruit exports
- Backyard gardens
Why is it a Biosecurity risk?
Brown marmorated stink bugs feed on more than 300 plant species, including apples, pears, citrus, stonefruit, berries, grapes, sweetcorn, asparagus, roses and hibiscus.
Their feeding:
- Disfigures fruit
- Renders produce unmarketable
- Causes production losses and increased control costs
They are not harmful to people, but are a major nuisance pest, releasing a strong, unpleasant odour when disturbed or crushed.
What does it look like?
Adults
- About 1.7 cm long
- Distinctive shield-shaped body
- Mottled brown colour
- Brown legs and antennae with white banding
Eggs
- Light green, barrel-shaped
- Laid in clusters on the underside of leaves
Nymphs
- Yellow-brown with black and red markings when young
- Darken as they grow, with banding beginning to appear
Are Brown marmorated stink bug dangerous to people?
No, but it is a major nuisance pest that has the ability to destroy agriculture and when disturbed or crushed, it releases a strong, unpleasant odour.
What should I do if I think I’ve found one?
If you find a suspicious insect:
- Do not release it
- Catch or contain it if safe
- Take a clear photo if possible
- Report it immediately
Call MPI: 0800 80 99 66
or report online below