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

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.
Stickfast fleas: control and eradication

6 February 2014

The stickfast flea, first recorded in Western Australia (WA) at Geraldton in 1913, is now a common disease in backyard poultry flocks, especially during summer.
Stable fly in Western Australia

23 October 2013

Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, that has become an aggravating pest in Western Australia, particular
Small hive beetle: declared pest

13 June 2014

Small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) can cause significant damage to bee hives.
Lice infestations on cattle

16 March 2015

Cattle lice cause irritation and rubbing that results in hair loss and poor coat quality. Cattle won’t always require treatment for a skin problem resulting from a lice infestation.
Control of bush flies by dung beetles

27 September 2013

The bush fly is a native insect that has affected the lives of Western Australians since before European settlement.