Full Breakdown
Record Seizure of Illegal Exotic Cockroaches
6/5/2026, 1:05:54 PM
Record Seizure of Illegal Exotic Cockroaches
On 26 May 2026, officials from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) confiscated over 100,000 Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales. Valued at up to AU$200,000 (US$142,000), the haul is the largest seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates in Australian history.
Biosecurity Context and Legal Restrictions
Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches are prohibited from import, keeping, breeding, or sale under biosecurity law. Australia’s border controls aim to protect agriculture, horticulture, and native wildlife from pest infestations. The Department’s statement emphasized that these species have not undergone an environmental risk assessment and could jeopardise native ecosystems.
Scale and Species Details
The seized insects numbered over one hundred thousand. Madagascar hissing cockroaches measure 5–8 cm (2–3 inches), making them among the world’s largest cockroach species, while dubia cockroaches are smaller but used as feeder insects for reptiles and fish. Breeders market the large hissing cockroaches as cost-effective reptile food, reducing insects needed per feeding.
Official Response
DCCEEW warned pet businesses and owners that possession, breeding, or trade of the prohibited species will result in seizure and federal penalties. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is overseeing humane euthanasia and disposal of the insects. No criminal charges have been laid against the Bathurst breeder, the department’s spokesperson said.
Criticism and Biosecurity Risks
Bathurst snake catcher Stefanie Lesser cautioned that escaped cockroaches could carry diseases capable of decimating native insect populations, including crickets that support bird diets. Carol Booth, policy director of Invasive Species Council, highlighted the ease of mailing exotic invertebrates and the difficulty of quantifying trade. She warned that such imports pose a “massive” risk of introducing new pathogens into Australian ecosystems and called for stronger legal enforcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we're putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice,” — DCCEEW spokesperson
- “If you are found to possess, breed or trade exotic cockroaches such as dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches they will be seized and you could face penalties under federal law.” — DCCEEW spokesperson
- “People do have them because they are big, they're sort of like the size of your palm of your hand,” — Stefanie Lesser, Bathurst snake catcher
- “There is a risk that they could introduce new diseases into the wild,” — Carol Booth, Invasive Species Council
Outlook
DPIRD will complete disposal of the seized insects in the coming weeks, while federal authorities review enforcement protocols. Environmental groups urge government to increase prosecutions and tighten monitoring of online sales to prevent future biosecurity breaches.
