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

Ant Blitz

21 February 2020

Between 24 February and 3 April 2020 the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is providing Western Australians with an opportunity to help look for invasive ants in Wes
Assessing invertebrate damage to truffles at harvest and grading

6 June 2018

Invertebrate pests can cause extensive damage to truffles.
Australian truffle orchard - integrated pest and disease management

12 February 2020

Two documents on Australian truffle orchard pest and diseases are available to download.
Biosecurity alert: Red Imported Fire Ant

27 November 2019

Fremantle port workers, residents and businesses are asked to report sightings of unfamiliar ants, following detection of one of the world's worst invasive ant species in Fremantle.
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.
Thrips in citrus

7 October 2013

Thrips (Thysanoptera) are small, slender, soft-bodied insects, just visible to the naked eye.
Ants: identification and control

29 March 2017

Early identification of important invasive and native problematic ants within Western Australia is critical to achieving successful control and preventing invasive ant species from gaining a footho
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.
Native budworm moth trapping in Western Australia

23 January 2018

Every year, at the end of July/beginning of August, volunteer farmers, agronomists and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) staff commence weekly pheromone trapping for
Stable fly in Western Australia

23 October 2013

Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) is an international insect that has become an aggravating pest in Western Australia, particularly on the coastal plain, north and south of Perth.