While inspecting a rail container at the northern border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists (CBPAS) intercepted several seeds and insects in the second quarter of 2020.

CBPAS found invasive horntail wasps in a container of ceramic beads in International Falls from China. Horntail wasps lay eggs in trees and lumber, which live in the tree for one to three years before emerging. Damage from horntail wasps ruins lumber.

This container was denied entry and returned to China.

CBPAS issued a total of 167 emergency action notifications during the second quarter of 2020, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Emergency action notifications occur when containers are found with prohibited pests.

CBPAS also denied entry to unauthorized insectide in Pembina, ND and invasive sugarcane in Portal.

“These agriculture seizures show the significant priority Customs and Border Protection (CBP), places on our agriculture inspection program at our ports of entry,” said Pembina Area Port Director Jason Schmelz. “Preventing harm to domestic crops and vegetation is an important role our Agriculture Specialists provide this country.”