The federal seizure of 100,000 exotic cockroaches from a small business in regional NSW has sent ripples around Australia.
Dubia cockroaches (Blaptica dubia) were likely imported into Australia over two decades ago as a source of reptile protein.
Over the last five years, they’ve become a staple feed, with an estimated 100 million across the nation.
Until the raid on a Bathurst business on May 26 in western NSW, you could have found them in pet shops, and both Sydney’s Taronga Zoo and Melbourne Zoo had in-house breeding colonies to feed their animals.
However, the species, which originates from South America, was never officially approved for import by the federal environment department (DCCEEW), which means it was never assessed for “potential biosecurity and environmental risks”.
So when thousands were discovered at the Bathurst business, DCCEEW put “pet businesses and pet owners on notice” and warned anyone found with them could “face penalties under federal law”.
The crackdown, which made news around the world, sent reptile keepers, animal rescuers, and bug breeders into “crisis mode”, according to peak body, the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA).
DCCEEW seized dubia cockroaches from a business in Bathurst.
(DCCEEW)
Its CEO, Anthony Ramsey, told Yahoo News the response from authorities has been “heavy-handed and disproportionate” and he’s written to DCCEEW and Environment Minister Murray Watt calling for dubia roaches to be added to its Live Import List, so breeding can continue.
He notes that dozens of other insects and fish have a similar “grey list” status, meaning they were imported decades ago and are openly sold in pet shops in many states.
Dubia cockroaches fed to endangered birds at zoo
There are few insect species available for purchase in Australia, so dubias were seen as a godsend for ensuring captive animals receive a balanced diet.
Taronga Zoo confirmed to Yahoo News that these insects helped provide “optimal nutrition” to a range of reptiles, primates and critically endangered native birds.
Prior to breeding dubias in 2024, it said written consent was obtained from the NSW Department of Primary Industries confirming that keeping the species was legal under state law.
State departments saw no issue with dubias
Correspondence seen by Yahoo News confirms several insect suppliers around Australia also sought advice from authorities in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland before breeding dubias.
While they all confirmed keeping them didn’t breach state law, the matter of checking with the federal DCCEEW does not appear to have been raised.
Taronga Zoo and Melbourne Zoo confirmed they have now destroyed their breeding colonies of dubia roaches, despite their importance as a feed source.
But Yahoo News understands many small businesses are hanging onto their supplies, hoping that DCCEEW will rethink its response.
Small business ready to lay off staff after crackdown
Zach Schubert, a board member of the Insect Protein Association of Australia, estimates that before the crackdown, there were at least 10 large farmers and hundreds of backyard keepers.
With each insect worth an estimated 20 cents, destroying stock would take a major toll on many small businesses.
There are fears that other common reptile feed species could be seized.
(Getty)
One small breeder who spoke to Yahoo News on the condition of anonymity has halted all sales of the species, and with business profits now down 50 per cent, he’s looking at cutting staff.
“We were doing something we thought was lawful, otherwise we wouldn’t have started,” he said, noting that he checked with the state government before breeding.
Another supplier told Yahoo News she fears DCCEEW could target other insect species like the American cricket (Acheta domesticus), a common reptile food that is not on the Live Import List.
“Everybody is talking about it,” she said.
Invasive insects pose major threat to Australia
DCCEEW’s seizure from the Bathurst business in May also included Madagascar whistling cockroaches.
Most in the insect-breeding community shared the government’s concerns about this species arriving in Australia, but many argue dubias don’t pose the same threat.
Invasive species cost the Australian economy billions of dollars a year and inflict environmental and agricultural damage, so it’s understandable that strong protections are needed.
Many insect breeders shared DCCEEW’s concerns about the arrival of Madagascan whistling cockroaches in Australia.
(DCCEEW)
For instance, the arrival of chytrid fungus from overseas caused the extinction of seven frog species.
But Animal Care Australia, which represents keepers and breeders, argues DCCEEW has taken a “black and white approach”.
Its president, Michael Donnelley, notes dubia are slow-moving and there are no records of it becoming invasive.
“In my opinion, the department is creating hysteria and scaremongering,” he said, arguing the Bathurst incident should have sparked education, not a crackdown.
“Some common sense should have prevailed.”
He believes DCCEEW should have addressed the dubia issue 20 years ago, and now it’s too late.
“This response in 2026 just makes no sense,” he said.
What’s next for dubias?
For now, dubias are illegal to keep, and there’s no resolution in sight.
“Compliance action is ongoing and may extend to other businesses where evidence identifies non-compliance, with penalties applying where breaches are found,” DCCEEW said.
“While the Department recognises these insects have been used as feeder species, illegal exotic species cannot be supported, and carers are encouraged to use lawful alternatives such as crickets or wood roaches.”
It confirmed receipt of an application from PIAA to add the dubias to its Live Import List, but noted an assessment “can take some time to complete”.
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