13 April 2026, AU: Given the high risk of exotic pest hitchhikers that comes with shipping containers, growers need to inspect containers thoroughly before bringing them on-farm.
Shipping containers are a convenient and cost-effective storage option for many farms, but they can also hide unexpected biosecurity risks. Before bringing one onto your property, it's worth knowing what to look out for.
Some shipping containers are constructed in ways that allow pests to survive - even after fumigation. Containers often have false floors made of wood covering the supporting beams underneath. Pests can survive beneath these false floors, in crevices and in door seals.
Some exotic plant pests can have devastating consequences if they establish in Australia. Impacts can include reduced yields or quality, increased production costs for growers or, in worst cases, complete loss of crops or stored grains. For some high-priority exotic plant pests, a single detection can close export markets and damage Australia's reputation for clean, pest-free produce, costing millions in lost revenue.
Beyond agriculture, many exotic pests can spread into the environment, threatening native plants and ecosystems, or become a nuisance around homes, parks and urban areas.
Some of the key exotic pests that could enter Australia via shipping containers, also known as hitchhiker pests, include:
- khapra beetle
- brown marmorated stink bug
- giant African snail
- exotic ants.
Some of these insects can survive in shipping containers for long periods, particularly khapra beetle, which has been found to survive for 6 years or more. There is also the potential for plant diseases to spread if infected seed is transported in a shipping container.
Even 'new' shipping containers have usually entered Australia carrying cargo, which means they may still harbour residual insects, soil or plant material that are all potential biosecurity risks. Second-hand containers pose an even higher risk, especially those previously used to transport food products such as grains, nuts or other agricultural goods (often labelled 'food grade' containers).
Before purchasing, it's important to:
- buy from a reputable supplier that provides containers in good condition
- ask whether the container has been cleaned or treated for potential biosecurity risks
- request information about the container's history, such as its most recent load and whether it has been used for international or domestic cargo.
Inspect a container before purchasing or moving it on-farm to reduce the risk of pests spreading and to ensure it's in good condition.
Outside:
- Check seals are intact and look for visible holes, damage or rust.
- Inspect external holes and crevices for plant matter or insects.
Inside:
- Check behind all internal seals for signs of insects, including larval skins.
- Inspect the entire floor for holes, cracks or signs of insects. Look for live or dead insects, egg masses or plant matter both inside and outside the container.
- If the container has a false floor, lift and inspect thoroughly under this.
After delivery, monitor the container regularly for at least 6 months, particularly during warmer weather and if you're storing potential food sources such as grains or pet food. This includes inspection under the false floor if present.
If you find any insects or plant material in a container:
- contact the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on 1800 084 881 or your local Grains Biosecurity Officer or agricultural department
- take clear, close-up photos of the pest
- place the specimen in a small container if possible
- close the shipping container to prevent any pests from escaping.
Visit the Grains Farm Biosecurity website for information and resources to help you protect your farm from diseases, pests and weeds.
The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program aims to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at both the farm and industry levels.
Launched in 2007, the program is managed by Plant Health Australia (PHA) and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia (GPA), together with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments.
Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is Australia's number 2 National Priority Plant Pest and poses a significant risk to our grains industry. It feeds on a range of stored products such as grains, rice, oilseeds, pulses, pet food and dried fruit, and can also survive on dried plant or animal material.
The beetles cause damage through feeding and contamination, as their shed skins and hairs make affected products unsuitable for both human and animal consumption. Their main method of dispersal is via human-mediated movement, particularly international shipping, which transports approximately 90% of the world's trade.
Khapra beetle larvae can enter diapause, a period where development is suspended in suboptimal conditions. This enables them to survive for long periods in non-host materials, including shipping containers, allowing them to potentially be spread across the world and earning them the 'hitchhiker pest' nickname.
If established, khapra beetle could significantly impact Australia's export and trade with countries that are khapra beetle free.
Larvae are brown in colour, covered in hairs and 3 to 7 mm long. This is the life stage you are most likely to see and is responsible for feeding damage. Adults are smaller (2 to 3 mm), variable brown and unable to fly.
The estimated potential cost of khapra beetle establishment in Australia is $19.4 billion over 20 years.
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