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.

Articles

  • Mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) is a serious pest of mango fruit.

  • The crusader bug (Mictis profana) is an insect commonly found in citrus, with a wide distribution within Australia, Indonesia and the Indo-Pacific.

  • Carob moth (also known as the date, almond, and locust bean moth) is a major pest of carobs in Western Australia (WA).

  • Radish flea beetle (Phyllotreta chotanica Duvivier 1892) is present throughout Asia and feeds on the leaves of cruciferous crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, cress, bok choy, broccoli and

  • Thrips are small slender insects (1.2mm long by 0.1mm), just visible to the naked eye.

  • Expansion of potato production into the Mid West for winter production is a real possibility by using seed of the correct physiological age and quality.

  • Grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, is a major pest in all grape growing countries around the world.

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