Which app should I use to identify and report insect pests and diseases?
You can submit your report or request an identification using either DPIRD’s PestFacts WA Reporter app or the MyPestGuide® Reporter app. Here’s how to choose the right one to suit your needs:
PestFacts WA Reporter app is a tool for WA grain growers, agronomists and field researchers to report and request identifications of pests, beneficial insects and plant diseases, or other damage in broadacre crops and pastures throughout the season.
MyPestGuide® Reporter app is a free photo reporting app built for everyone to report insect pests, diseases or weeds from any location across Australia to DPIRD experts.
Report grains pests and diseases from the paddock
In the PestFacts WA Reporter app, report directly from the paddock by entering:
- Host plant (grain crop or pasture)
- Date and location
- Pest or disease information
If requesting an identification attach up to 3 clear photos of the pest, crop damage, or disease signs/symptoms. Add more information or questions in the comments section and provide contact details to request a reply by a PestFacts WA team member with diagnosis or management advice. If out of mobile or wi-fi range, the app will send your report when reconnected.
Receive timely grains pest and disease alerts
Subscribe to the PestFacts WA e-newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.
In addition to surveillance conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), your reports in the PestFacts WA Reporter app contribute to the interactive PestFacts WA service, tracking crop and pasture threats across WA’s grainbelt during the growing season. Stay informed with:
- Up to date diagnostic information
- Warnings of pest and plant disease outbreaks
- Management advice.
Your reports help build the PestFacts WA map, a visual display of pest, beneficial insects and disease data. Data has been collected from reports since 1996. Learn more about this interactive tool in the 2024 PestFacts WA Issue 20 article Do you use the PestFacts WA map?
PestFacts WA is supported by the ‘Seasonal status of pests and diseases delivered to growers’ project, with co-investment from Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and DPIRD.
Help detect Australia’s pest threats
Make your report directly to the MyPestGuide® Reporter app from your location and include:
- Up to 4 clear photos to assist with diagnosis
- Details of the location, plant type and how long the issue has been present.
MyPestGuide Reporter is a quick and easy way to connect with the department’s specialists. You can also submit reports online via the MyPestGuide® community page where you can view public reports and learn more about the pests in your area.
The information gathered by MyPestGuide® users strengthen and support Australia’s access to existing or new overseas trade markets by assisting the department in maintaining Australia’s pest-free status and inferring our freedom from exotic pests.
Contact information
The PestFacts WA and MyPestGuide® teams work closely together and will make sure that your reports are delivered to the relevant project and followed up as required.
For more information contact Research Scientist Cindy Webster in Narrogin on +61 8 9881 0201 or email the PestFacts WA team.
Article author: Bec Severtson (DPIRD Northam).
Article input: Laura Fagan (DPIRD Perth) and Amber Balfour-Cunningham (DPIRD Northam).