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

  • Typical OLB damage and symptoms on the lower (left) and upper (right) surface of leaves (cm scale on far left side). Some adult OLB’s are shown to indicate size.

    Olive lace bug in Western Australia

    17 October 2013

    The olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia, is native to eastern Australia. It has become established in the olive growing regions of Western Australia.

  • Foliage of red grape variety damaged by African black beetle turns red prematurely

    African black beetle in horticulture

    18 March 2014

    African black beetle (Heteronychus arator), is native to southern Africa. It has been present in Western Australia since the 1930s and occurs in the wetter coastal regions.

  • Female black scale

    Black scale in olives

    21 November 2013

    Black scale (Saissetia oleae) is a major pest of Australian olives, reducing tree vigour, yield and the quality of fruit and oil.

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