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

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.
Priority hitchhiking pests for WA

9 August 2021

Many exotic insect pests, not established in Western Australia (WA), are expert stowaways!
Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)

15 October 2013

The Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) provides advisory and identification services on animal and plant pests, weeds and diseases that impact Western Australia's agriculture and food ind
Feral pigs

28 January 2014

Feral pigs are the descendants of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa), which were first brought to Australia by early European colonists.
Feral pig control: 1080 baiting

28 January 2014

Feral pigs are the descendants of domestic pigs, which were first brought to Australia by early European colonists.
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.
Management of pea weevil

5 March 2014

The pea weevil (Bruchus pisorum) in fact is a beetle, not a weevil and should really be called the pea beetle. It is one of the most damaging pests of field peas.
Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia

6 September 2013

The Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia provides a starting point for landholders, pastoralists, retailers, manufacturers and/or wholesalers who want to supply or us
Aphid feeding damage to cereal crops

14 February 2011

Adult and nymph aphids suck sap with large populations limiting grain yield and size, especially winter and spring infestations.