Shipments of roses containing spider mites which could have damaged crops across the Island were seized by Environment inspectors.

Following the discovery of adult, juvenile and eggs of mites on a "disturbingly high" number of roses in mid-December, Government has warned importers of cut flowers and greenery they are working with Customs to ensure such pests don't make their way into Bermuda.

Senior Plant Protection Officer Terry Lynn Thompson said in a press release: "We have discovered some shipments of cut flowers with severe infestations of mites and other pests which, if released into Bermuda's environment, could have serious implications for the farmers' food crops, ornamental plants at the nurseries and the local flora at large.

"Our Department has a responsibility to protect our local environment by preventing the introduction and establishment of undesirable pests in Bermuda.

"We are certainly aware of the implications to the florists' businesses in these economically challenging times and are working closely with them to import clean plant material that ultimately does not put our Island in jeopardy.

"We are working very closely with HM Customs to ensure that all plant importations are in compliance with the Department's importation regulations."