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

  • Wheat re-growth and broad-leafed weeds form a green bridge

    Control of green bridge for pest and disease management

    19 December 2013

    In Western Australia's Mediterranean-type climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining pest outbreaks and disease epidemics in broadacre crops.

  • NULL

    Canola essentials - growing a successful canola crop

    11 May 2018

    This page summarises the main factors to consider when planning or managing a canola crop.

  • 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.

  • Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni

    Queensland fruit fly

    6 February 2015

    Queensland fruit fly (Qfly, Bactrocera tryoni) is considered to be one of the most serious pests of fruit and vegetables in Australia.

  • Black argentine ants on a red background seen under a microscope

    Argentine ants

    4 December 2013

    Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, are a major cosmopolitan pest ant species, primarily of the suburbs, which often enter houses in search of food and moisture.

  • 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

  • millipede on a wall

    Portuguese millipedes

    10 December 2013

    Portuguese millipedes (Ommatoiulus moreleti) belong to a group of animals called Myriapoda (meaning many-legged), which also includes several native Australian millipedes and centipedes.

  • Tree with close up of green, black and fruit which is half green and half black.

    Olive tree pests and diseases

    7 April 2014

    Keeping olive trees well-fed and adequately watered is the best initial defence against pests and diseases, since vigorous trees are better able to withstand attack and less likely to suffer long-t

  • Cabbage aphids can retard seedling growth and foul mature plants in brassica vegetable crops. Photo courtesy Pia Scanlon, DAFWA

    Cabbage and turnip aphids: cabbage pests in Indonesia and Western Australia

    11 November 2013

    Cabbage and turnip aphids are relatively minor pests of cabbages in both Indonesia and Western Australia.

  • Whitegrubs are the larval stage of beetles. Both larvae and adults damage crops

    Whitegrubs: potato and cabbage pest in Indonesia and Western Australia

    14 November 2013

    Whitegrubs are a minor pest of potato and cabbage crops in Indonesia but can be very damaging in Western Australia.

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