Pest insects

Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment, and our lifestyle. Pest insects may cause problems by damaging crops and food production, parasitising livestock, or being a nuisance and health hazard to humans.

Western Australia is free from some of the world's major pest insects. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of insects.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of pest insects
  • where relevant post border biosecurity measures
  • advice on widespread pest insects present in the state.

For advice on pest insects 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.

See Also

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Articles

  • Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) tunnells into trunks, stems and branches.

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    10 September 2021

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) is a small beetle native to Southeast Asia that tunnels into the trunks, stems and branches of trees and plants.

  • Polyphagous shot-hole borer training

    1 May 2024

    Please see below, links to the current training programs available. 

  • Spray rig

    Insecticide spray guides for crops in Western Australia

    10 July 2017

    Up to date autumn/winter and winter/spring insecticide spray guides are provided by the department every year to help growers and consultants manage insect pests in canola, lupin and cereal crops.

  • Native budworm larvae feeding on lupin pods

    About PestFacts WA

    8 November 2013

    PestFacts WA (formerly known as PestFax) is an interactive reporting service delivered by DPIRD, providing risk alerts, current information and advice on insect pests and diseases threatening crops

  • European Honey Bee alongside a Red Dwarf Honey Bee

    Red dwarf honey bee

    23 December 2021

    DPIRD is responding to the detection of the exotic pest red dwarf honey bee (Apis florea) discovered on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha.

  • Damage to a rose plant caused by chilli thrips

    Chilli thrips on roses

    20 April 2021

    Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development testing of damaged rose samples from the Perth metropolitan area determined chilli thrips were responsible.

  • DPIRD taxonomist with insect specimens

    DDLS - Entomology services

    7 November 2018

    DDLS - Entomology services provides expertise in invertebrate identification as well as helping to facilitate domestic and international trade and assists in protecting the biosecurity of Western A

  • a striped slug eating truffle

    Australian truffle orchard - integrated pest and disease management

    12 February 2020

    Two documents on Australian truffle orchard pest and diseases are available to download.

  • African black sugar ant with pupae

    African black sugar ant

    28 April 2021

    African black sugar ant, (Lepisiota incisa), is an invasive ant native to Africa.

  • Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer

    10 January 2024

    Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer

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