With new evidence Colorado potato beetles could survive in some areas of Britain, authorities have asked food importers, growers, gardeners, traders and consumers to increase their vigilance for the pest.
The Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development said a single female beetle escaping detection could establish a breeding colony of beetles.
The beetles could become established in the UK during spring and summer by entering the country on imported goods such as leafy vegetables, herbs, potatoes, fruit, grain, seed and timber.
Two of the beetles were recently intercepted in imported vegetables in Northern Ireland.