Texas officials warn about mystery seed packages arriving statewide. The unsolicited mailings could threaten farms and the environment.
HOUSTON — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is warning Texans to stay alert as mysterious seed packages keep showing up in mailboxes across the state.
Since February 2025, the Texas Department of Agriculture has collected 1,101 packs of unsolicited seeds from 109 locations across the state. Officials say the packages, often shipped from overseas, may look harmless but pose serious risks to crops and ecosystems.
Editor’s note: The video in this article is from a previous report.
“At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business,” Miller said. “The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry. We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly.”
The department first learned of the issue last February after a resident in Clute received an unmarked package from China containing unidentified seeds and a liquid substance. TDA quickly issued warnings urging Texans not to handle or plant any seeds from unknown sources.
Similar reports have surfaced nationwide, including in Ohio, New Mexico and Alabama. The most recent seed collection effort in Texas took place Dec. 29, 2025.
The situation echoes a wave of incidents that began in 2020, when thousands of Americans reported receiving mystery seeds in what authorities later linked to “brushing scams.” Those scams involve sellers sending unsolicited items to create fake verified online reviews. But Miller said the concern now stretches beyond online fraud to potential biosecurity threats.
The Texas Department of Agriculture is partnering with federal agencies to gather, test and safely destroy the unsolicited packages. Officials stress that stopping the flow of these shipments is critical to protecting farms, ranches, gardens and natural habitats across the state.
“Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” Miller said. “Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety. Texas isn’t going to take chances when it comes to protecting our people and our food supply.”
Anyone who receives a suspicious package of seeds should leave it sealed in its original wrapping and report it immediately to the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-800-TELL-TDA for instructions on safe handling.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.