The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency says fresh Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands being sold and displayed across the island this holiday season are free of injurious pests following mandatory fumigation inspections.
According to Customs, officers with its Biosecurity Task Force have fumigated five shipping containers since Nov. 12, treating a total of more than 3,033 fresh evergreen products. The first container was treated on Nov. 12, with additional shipments processed in the weeks that followed.
The fumigation requirement stems from a 2016 mandate supported by the Guam Invasive Species Council, which requires all imported Christmas trees and similar evergreen products to be treated upon arrival to prevent the spread of pests, plant diseases and other threats to Guam’s agriculture, flora and natural resources.
Customs officials said each container is first screened to ensure the shipment meets entry requirements and that it is safe for treatment. Officers then establish a safety buffer zone before applying a calculated amount of methyl bromide gas inside the container. After the prescribed treatment period, officers conduct a final inspection before releasing the shipment to consignees.
While no species of concern were found in this year’s shipments, Customs said fumigations in past years have prevented the entry of insects, spiders, rodents, a garden snake and even a skunk. Any organisms discovered during inspections are turned over to appropriate agricultural authorities.
Customs officials emphasized that the inspections are part of the agency’s broader mission to protect Guam’s borders from biosecurity threats while facilitating legitimate trade and commerce.
