Australian officials seized over 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales on June 5, 2026 [1, 2]. The seized insects included banned species such as Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, which cannot be legally imported, kept, bred, or sold in Australia [1, 2].
Authorities stated these exotic cockroaches pose a threat to native wildlife, agriculture, and biosecurity through disease transmission [2]. A department spokesperson said, "We take our job protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity and breaches of national environment law very seriously" [1].
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Biosecurity Collections is responsible for the euthanasia and safe disposal of the seized cockroaches [2]. Officials warned pet businesses and reptile owners to cease illegal breeding and use of exotic cockroaches, encouraging the switch to legal feeder insects like crickets [1, 2]. A spokesperson added, "We’re seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we’re putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice" [2].
Estimates of the seized cockroaches' market value ranged from more than US$100,000 to as high as US$200,000 [1, 2]. The raid represents one of the largest invertebrate busts targeting banned exotic species in Australia.
Authorities are continuing efforts to monitor and enforce biosecurity laws to prevent further illegal breeding and trading of exotic insects.
The department will proceed with disposal of the insects as part of ongoing biosecurity control measures.
