Commissioner Sid Miller Warns Texans of Ongoing Mystery Seed Deliveries from China: What Governors Place Residents Need to Know
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is once again urging residents across the state, including those in Governors Place, to stay alert and cautious as unsolicited seed packages—many postmarked from China—continue to appear in mailboxes without warning. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) confirmed that the alarming trend, first reported in early 2025, is still ongoing and poses a significant risk to Texas agriculture, food safety, and the environment.
Since February 2025, TDA has collected more than 1,100 mystery seed packages from 109 locations across the state, including seeds accompanied by unknown substances. While the packages may seem small and harmless, experts stress that their potential impact on native crops, gardens, and natural habitats could be catastrophic.
“At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business,” said Commissioner Miller. “The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry.”
Why Governors Place Residents Should Take This Seriously
The warning follows similar alerts issued in multiple states, including Ohio, Alabama, and New Mexico. These unsolicited seed packages are often linked to so-called brushing scams, in which sellers send items to unknowing individuals and use their names to leave fake product reviews online. While some may dismiss them as harmless, the seeds could carry invasive plant species or agricultural pests, which could devastate local ecosystems or crops if planted.
In a particularly troubling case early last year, a Clute, Texas, resident received seeds alongside an unknown liquid, prompting immediate statewide alerts. Since then, the TDA has been working closely with federal partners to test, track, and safely dispose of all reported packages.
“Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” added Miller. “Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety.”
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What to Do If You Receive Unsolicited Seeds
Residents in Governors Place and surrounding areas are asked to take the following precautions:
- Do not open the package or plant the seeds.
- Keep the package in its original, sealed packaging.
- Report it immediately to the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-800-TELL-TDA (1-800-835-5832).
- Follow TDA’s instructions for safe handling and collection.
“We need everyone to report these packages when they arrive so the contents may be gathered and disposed of properly,” said Miller.
The Bigger Picture
The incident is a reminder of the importance of agricultural biosecurity and how easily global threats can cross borders undetected. Invasive species can spread quickly and be difficult—and costly—to contain, affecting everything from commercial farming to backyard gardens.
The TDA is continuing to monitor the situation statewide and encourages communities, schools, gardening groups, and farmers in Governors Place to stay informed and alert.
For more information, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture online at texasagriculture.gov.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
