posted on August 28, 2001 09:19:39 AM new
I have an idea for a product that I believe has potential. My problem is that I cannot guarantee that this item will be bug free. It is for outdoor use (and will say so right on the package) so I'm not worried about infecting people's homes, BUT I am alittle worried about shipping the occasional bug from one region to another. Importing, if you will, bugs that may not be native to a particular geographical location. I'm not talking about rare & exotic insects or an infestation but rather a rogue ant, earwig or potato bug type creatures. As I said in the opening of this post, I believe the concept has potential, but I DO NOT want to be responsible for the collapse of the eco system. You folks always have great opinions & ideas, what do you all think?
posted on August 28, 2001 10:54:29 AM new
The US government, as well as individual states, have very specific rules about the movement of any type of agricultural products, for the exact reason you post here. Introduction of non-indigenous species can cause catastrophic effects on the ecosystem - even for something that seems harmless, such as an ant or two.
posted on August 28, 2001 10:59:24 AM new
Oh for heavens sake. No one can control the occasional bug that may hop on board a package being shipped.
We get live plants here at our post office all the time that were mailed from other parts of the country. You can't tell me they are always going to be BUG FREE!
posted on August 28, 2001 11:25:21 AM new
Well, some states do take this seriously...
Agricultural Parcel Inspection Program (APIP)- This program targets a pathway of pest entry previously not covered by other interior or border exclusion programs. APIP functions by deploying trained dog teams at parcel terminals to sniff out unmarked parcels containing plant material. Currently, the APIP has 11 active dog teams in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles Basin, and the San Diego area. These locations were selected since these areas have historically experienced a high number of exotic pest introductions. It is estimated that approximately 85 percent of the parcels shipped to California enter through these areas. Dog teams consist of an agricultural biologist, an agricultural technician, and a trained dog. The program was structured to sample a higher number of terminals by conducting at least two days of inspection per week at each facility. To minimize the impact to carrier operations, inspections are conducted while the parcels are being processed for distribution. Depending on the facility, this can take place during day, swing, or graveyard shifts. Dogs work under various sort conditions, such as conveyer belts, delivery vans, etc.
Some of the important agricultural pests of concern to California are listed below, along with the states where they are known to occur as well as the plants, fruits and vegetables upon which they feed. Since not all pests of concern are listed below, you may access the Plant Quarantine Manual for more detailed information. Before you bring any of the regulated items mentioned below, you should first determine if they meet California's entry requirements.
posted on August 28, 2001 06:27:11 PM new
Looks like another idea shot to hell!....I was uneasy about the potential bug thing, but after reading some of the info (thanx for the links) I do believe that back to the ole' drawing board is where I'll be aheadin'!....
