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

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
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.
Priority hitchhiking pests for WA

9 August 2021

Many exotic insect pests, not established in Western Australia (WA), are expert stowaways!
European wasp: declared pest

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

8 November 2013

PestFacts WA (formerly known as PestFax) is an interactive reporting service delivered by DPIRD, providing risk alerts, current information and advice on pests and diseases threatening crops and pa
Diagnosing lucerne flea

4 December 2013

A pest mainly of young legume pastures and broadleaf crops but can also affect cereals. Commonly observed on loam-clay soils.
Brown marmorated stink bug: declared pest

21 January 2019

Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a mottle brown coloured, shield shaped stink bug.
Management of European earwig

20 February 2014

The European earwig (Forficula auricularia) is native to Europe and has been in Australia from the mid-1850s.
Management and economic thresholds for native budworm

12 February 2014

Native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera) is a major pest of pulse and canola crops in the south west of Western Australia.
Identification of aphids in lupin crops

13 December 2012

Aphids reduce yields by direct feeding damage which causes flower and pod abortion and occasionally plant death in lupins.