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

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.
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.
Varroa mite: Biosecurity alert

5 January 2015

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is an external parasite of honey bees and are considered the greatest threat to Australia's honey and honey bee pollination plant industries.
African black sugar ant

28 April 2021

African black sugar ant, (Lepisiota incisa), is an invasive ant native to Africa.
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.
Crop diseases: forecasts and management

11 December 2013

Information is provided here to assist management of diseases and viruses that occur in broadacre crops grown in Western Australia - cereals (wheat, barley, oats and triticale), pulses (field pea,
Prevent redlegged earth mite resistance

25 June 2013

Redlegged earth mites (RLEM) that are resistant to commonly applied insecticides including synthetic pyrethroids (Group 3A), and organophosphates (Group 1B) were first found in Western Australia.
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.
SnapCard spray app

14 October 2013

SnapCard is a combined smartphone and website app, is free and was developed to assist growers and crop consultants to make smarter decisions on when and how to apply pesticides most efficiently.
Biosecurity alert: Common starling

19 December 2013

A number of starlings have recently been detected along the State's south coast. This article provides information on the identification, biology, impact and management of the common starling.