Until now, bumblebees have been kept out of Western Australia, where the insect could pose a threat to the local ecosystem.

The state's Department of Food and Agriculture, however, sent out a pest warning Monday after a bumblebee was found in a sealed package of raspberries from Tasmania, where the insect already exists.

The department's Marc Widmer explained to Australia's ABC News that although the bee was a sterile female, the arrival of a queen bee could potentially start a new colony in the area.

"It's hard to tell people and explain, especially the cost to the environment because it's something we've never had to deal with," he told the publication.

"You don't know how bad they'll be here in Western Australia with our climate as opposed to Europe and North America; the bees don't die in winter like nature intended them to."

Bumblebees would be considered a hazard in the area because the insect could potentially compete with native fauna and reduce seed production of native plants, while encouraging the production of introduced plants and weeds.

If a honeybee is detected in the area, individuals are asked to contact the Department of Agriculture and Food with an insect description, including the date, time and location of the siting.

Photo: Department of Agriculture and Food

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