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.

See Also

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Articles

  • European wasp: declared pest

    The European wasp is considered one of the worst wasps in the world - harmful to people, our outdoor lifestyles and to our horticultural and agricultural industries.

  • Native budworm larvae feeding on lupin pods

    About PestFax

    8 November 2013

    PestFax is an interactive reporting service delivered by DPIRD, providing risk alerts, current information and advice on pests and diseases threatening crops and pastures throughout the grain belt

  • Types of citrus with the blue sticker and WA birthmark symbol

    Citrus pests

    18 December 2013

    Find out more about the most common insect pests of citrus trees occurring in home gardens in Western Australia and their control using natural or low toxic chemical controls.

  • Immature spur-throated locust

    Spur-throated locust

    25 February 2014

    Spur-throated locusts are mainly a tropical species which breed in the State’s north but can move large distances and can sporadically reach the Gascoyne and Mid-West regions.

  • DPIRD taxonomist with insect specimens

    DDLS - Entomology services

    7 November 2018

    DDLS - Entomology services provides expertise in invertebrate identification as well as helping to facilitate domestic and international trade and assists in protecting the biosecurity of Western A

  • Spray rig

    Insecticide spray guides for crops in Western Australia

    10 July 2017

    Up to date autumn/winter and winter/spring insecticide spray guides are provided by the department every year to help growers and consultants manage insect pests in canola, lupin and cereal crops.

  • Portuguese millipedes on a pievce of bark compared to a match for size

    Portuguese millipedes

    10 December 2013

    Portuguese millipedes (Ommatoiulus moreletii) belong to a group of animals called Myriapoda (meaning many-legged), which also includes several native Australian millipedes and centipedes.

  • Damage often occurs in patches

    Cutworm: pests of crops and pastures

    25 January 2011

    Cutworms are plump, smooth caterpillars, of several moth species. They feed on all crop and pasture plants, damaging them near the ground. The caterpillars hide under the soil or litter by day.

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    Russian wheat aphid: declared pest

    7 October 2013

    Russian wheat aphid is a major pest of wheat, barley and some grasses (Poaceae), which can cause significant yield losses.

  • Bull ant

    Ant identification is the key to successful control.

    29 March 2017

    Ant treatment and control options vary tremendously for homes, gardens, and businesses, depending on the ant species.

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