Mites & spiders

Mites

Mites are minute (usually less than 1mm) arachnids with eight legs when adults. They are often pests of animals and plants, infest stored food products and in some cases transmit diseases.

Mites are a risk for Western Australian primary producers as they impact upon market access and agricultural production.

WA is free from some of the world's major agricultural mite pests. Biosecurity and management measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of mites.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

• biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of mites
• advice on widespread mites present in the state.

For advice on mites search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Spiders

Spiders are eight legged arachnids. They are not agricultural pests and do not spread disease or damage crops or food products. Spiders can play a beneficial role by feeding on pest insects. There are hundreds of species of spiders in Australia, with very few spiders that are potentially harmful.

Contact the Western Australian Museum for further information on spiders or Poisons Information on 13 11 26 for treatment of severe bites.