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

  • Native budworm larvae feeding on lupin pods

    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 insect pests and diseases threatening crops

  • 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.

  • 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 a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, that has become an aggravating pest in Western Australia, particular

  • Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    10 September 2021

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) is a small beetle native to Southeast Asia that tunnels into the trunks, stems and branches of trees and plants.

  • Picture of a dung beetle

    Dung beetles

    27 September 2013

    The bush fly is a native insect that has affected the lives of Western Australians since before European settlement.

  • Australian plague locust.

    Australian plague locust: insecticide spraying guide

    27 February 2014

    The following article provides information on spraying and withholding periods for the Australian plague locust.

  • Australian plague locust sitting on grass.

    Australian plague locust control: horticultural crops

    25 February 2014

    This article provides industry and community information regarding control of the Australian plague locust in horticultural crops.

  • Australian plague locust sitting on grass.

    Australian plague locust control: registered insecticides

    25 February 2014

    This article provides information on chemicals registered for the control of the Australian plague locust in Western Australia.

  • Adult spur-throated locust

    Spur-throated locust: insecticide spraying guide

    4 March 2014

    This page provides information on chemical control for the spur-throated locust in Western Australia.

  • Adult spur-throated locust.

    Spur throated locust spraying issues: horticulture

    4 March 2014

    The following article provides information on spur-throated locust control for some horticultural crops in Western Australia.

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