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

  • Euwallacea fornicatus lateral female

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    10 September 2021

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) Euwallacea fornicatus is a beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle attacks a wide range of plants by tunnelling into trunks, stems and branches.

  • Native budworm trap

    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

  • European wasp

    Priority hitchhiking pests for WA

    9 August 2021

    Many exotic insect pests, not established in Western Australia (WA), are expert stowaways!

  • Stable fly is an aggravating insect with sharp mouthparts that are used to bite animals and draw blood.

    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.

  • European house borer

    European house borer (EHB) Hylotrupes bajulus is a destructive pest of seasoned coniferous timber including pine, fir and spruce.

  • Growers at CBH

    Stored grain insect resistance monitoring and management

    26 September 2013

    The Western Australian grain storage industry is focused on sealed storage and fumigation to achieve the federally mandated ‘nil tolerance’ for live insects in exports.

  • European House Borer RMZ

    10 September 2014

    EHB Restricted Movement Zone (RMZ) Maps.

  • Australian plague locust sitting on grass.

    Australian plague locust: overview

    21 February 2014

    The Australian plague locust is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

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    Russian wheat aphid: production pest

    7 October 2013

    Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia), is a pest of barley and wheat crops.

  • Queensland fruit fly

    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.

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