Pests

Animal pests, both vertebrates (backbone) and invertebrates (no backbone), can have an adverse impact on agriculture, the natural environment and even our lifestyle. Animal pests may be exotic animals which are introduced, either accidentally or deliberately. Native animals may also be pests in certain situations.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development manages pests in Western Australia through policy development, risk assessment, research and development, provision of technical advice and information, implementation of regulation, emergency response, property inspections, industry liaison, and the planning and coordination of significant species control/eradication programs.

For advice on pests 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

African black sugar ant

28 April 2021

African black sugar ant, (Lepisiota incisa), is an invasive ant native to Africa.
Importing and keeping introduced animals in Western Australia

21 May 2014

Information is provided on the requirements for importing and keeping regulated animals in Western Australia.
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.
1080 landholder information

13 December 2013

This article contains the booklet '1080 landholder information' and provides a general summary of a landholder’s obligations under the code of practice for the saf
Red dwarf honey bee

23 December 2021

DPIRD is investigating the detection of the exotic pest red dwarf honey bee (Apis florea) discovered on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha.
Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer

10 January 2024

Be on the lookout for the polyphagous shot-hole borer
Spider mite pests of Western Australian plants

9 October 2013

Mites of the Tetranychidae family (commonly known as spider mites) include some important pests of economic concern to agriculture and forestry.
Biosecurity Blitz

The Biosecurity Blitz is an annual event that runs from 16 October - 16 November.
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
Red imported fire ant: declared pest in Western Australia

10 October 2013

Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is one of the most serious ant pests in the world and was found to be established in Brisbane, Queensland, in 2001.