CT residents urged to dispose of ‘suspicious’ seed packages; here’s what to do
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture warn that these shipments may pose environmental and agricultural risks.
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Connecticut officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and properly dispose of unsolicited seed packages arriving by mail.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) warn that these shipments may pose environmental and agricultural risks.
Residents are advised to surrender the seeds and packaging to the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine office at USDA APHIS PPQ, 97 Barnes Road, Unit 200, Wallingford, Connecticut, 06492.
Envelopes should remain unopened, including the mailing label and be placed in a mailing envelope.
If the seed packets are open, the seeds and their packaging should be placed in Ziploc bag, sealed and then enclosed in a mailing envelope.
If other unsolicited items were received along with the seeds, only the seeds should be sent.
The USDA also provides an alternative disposal method:
Do not open the seed packet.
Completely wrap and enclose the packet with duct tape.
Place the wrapped seed packet in a Ziploc bag, squeeze out any air, and seal.
Place inside another Ziploc bag, squeeze out any air, and seal.
Fold over to reduce size and completely cover the folded bag with duct tape to prevent bursting and exposure to water and sunlight.
Discard in the trash.
Residents who are unable to surrender the seeds or have already planted them are urged to email The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at caes.stateentomologist@ct.gov and provide their name, address, phone number, and email address.
