Returning holiday makers asked to check for stowaways

Friday, 12 July 2024 06:30

The Federal Agricultural Office is calling on holiday makers to check their baggage when they return home for any signs of the Japanese beetle.

Experts say it’s an invasive pest that can cause serious damage to crops – especially soft fruits.

It was first spotted in Ticino in 2017 – and only a few months later in Zurich.

It’s thought it can sneak onboard cars and so travel large distances.

The Confederation is asking people to check their bags for any stowaways, especially from Italy.

The Japanese beetle has a metallic green body.

More from Bitesize News

Military court sentences army recruit following on-duty sexual assault

A male Swiss Army recruit has been convicted of sexual assault, gross traffic violations, and failing to follow service rules.
Swiss motorcyclist requires multiple surgeries after Motorcycle Grand Prix crash

Swiss motorcyclist Noah Dettwiler has had a life-threatening crash at the Motorcycle Grand Prix event in Sepang, Malaysia this weekend.
Swiss Indoors Basel ends with youngest ATP Top 100 champion

In tennis news, the Swiss Indoors Basel came to an end on Sunday with 19-year old Brazilian Joao Fonseca winning his second career title.
Switzerland is forgetting how to ride a bike

Fewer children are learning to ride a bike in Switzerland. Roger Bader, Head of traffic instruction at the Solothurn Cantonal Police is raising the alarm.
Man rescued from construction crane in Schaffhausen

An extraordinary rescue operation took place in Schaffhausen early Sunday morning. A 20-year-old man climbed onto a 30-meter-high construction crane, with a climbing harness, and became trapped.
Trees down, power out across western Switzerland

Western parts of the country are picking up the pieces after storm Benjamin swept through the region yesterday.