Pests

Animal pests, both vertebrates (backbone) and invertebrates (no backbone), can have an adverse impact on agriculture, the natural environment and even our lifestyle. Animal pests may be exotic animals which are introduced, either accidentally or deliberately. Native animals may also be pests in certain situations.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development manages pests in Western Australia through policy development, risk assessment, research and development, provision of technical advice and information, implementation of regulation, emergency response, property inspections, industry liaison, and the planning and coordination of significant species control/eradication programs.

For advice on pests 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

Polyphagous shot-hole borer

10 September 2021

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) Euwallacea fornicatus is a beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle attacks a wide range of plants by tunnelling into trunks, stems and branches.
Red dwarf honey bee

23 December 2021

DPIRD is investigating the detection of the exotic pest red dwarf honey bee (Apis florea) discovered on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha.
Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer

10 January 2024

Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer
Spider mite pests of Western Australian plants

9 October 2013

Mites of the Tetranychidae family (commonly known as spider mites) include some important pests of economic concern to agriculture and forestry.
Stored grain insect resistance monitoring and management

26 September 2013

The Western Australian grain storage industry is focused on sealed storage and fumigation to achieve the federally mandated ‘nil tolerance’ for live insects in exports.
Biosecurity Blitz

The Biosecurity Blitz is an annual event that runs from 16 October - 16 November.
Ants: identification and control

29 March 2017

Early identification of important invasive and native problematic ants within Western Australia is critical to achieving successful control and preventing invasive ant species from gaining a footho
Red imported fire ant: declared pest in Western Australia

10 October 2013

Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is one of the most serious ant pests in the world and was found to be established in Brisbane, Queensland, in 2001.
Red imported fire ant

27 November 2019

Red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, is one of the most serious and invasive ant pests in the world, because of its harmful effects on people, agriculture, flora and fauna, in
Potato seed certification

20 November 2013

DDLS Seed Testing and Certification is responsible for administering the industry seed potato production schemes in Western Australia.