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

Queensland fruit fly outbreak - Coolbellup January 2021

5 January 2021

There has been a confirmed detection of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) in Coolbellup, located south of Perth.
Serpentine leaf miner : declared pest

3 December 2020

Serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis) is a tiny fly whose larvae (grubs) damage plants by tunnelling through the inside of leaves.
Biosecurity alerts: Queensland fruit fly updates

2 May 2018

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) is one of the world’s worst fruit pests, attacking a wide range of fruits, and some fruiting vegetables and ornamental plants.
Queensland fruit fly outbreak - Dalkeith March 2020

5 January 2021

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) was detected in Perth's western suburbs in March 2020.
Khapra beetle - declared pest

4 October 2013

Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is one of the most serious pests of stored grain products, especially under hot and dry conditions.
Russian wheat aphid: production pest

7 October 2013

Russian wheat aphid is a major production pest of wheat, barley and oat crops.
Biosecurity alert: Red imported fire ant

27 November 2019

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development detected Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) at two adjoining tenanted properties at Fremantle Ports in November 2019.
Pome and Summer Fruit Orchard Spray Guide for Western Australia 2020-21

24 March 2014

The Pome and Summer Fruit Orchard Spray Guide 2020-21 provides information on chemical products, both registered and those as minor use permits, to control insect, mite and mollusc pests, diseases
Aphid feeding damage to cereal crops

14 February 2011

Adult and nymph aphids suck sap with large populations limiting grain yield and size, especially winter and spring infestations.
Browsing ants

3 December 2014

Browsing ant, Lepisiota frauenfeldi, is an invasive ant originating from Southern Europe. This pest has a proven ability to monopolise resources and form super-colonies.