Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer
Attention WA Residents - TREE KILLING BEETLE ALERT
Polyphagous shot-hole borer is native to southeast Asia. The beetle is an agricultural and environmental pest. It has over 400 host species including amenity, native and horticultural production trees.
The adult female beetle is 2mm long. It tunnels into the tree’s stems and branches, causing damage and dieback. The borer spreads with the movement of infested trees, firewood, and green waste material.
See how to identify the polyphagous shot-hole borer (WA DPIRD).
What you need to do...
Report sightings immediately if you:
• Live in WA and have a box elder maple tree (on your property or street). The WA government will check it for infestation by the borer.
• See signs of the polyphagous shot-hole borer in trees or plant material. Keep the material on your property.
• Suspect a pest or disease outbreak, report it... even if you’re not sure.
Report to DPIRD through the MyPestGuide Reporter app or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. For signs of exotic pests and diseases in imported goods, sea containers or parcels, call See. Secure. Report on 1800 798 636 or use our online form.
Follow the rules:
• Keep exotic dangerous pests and diseases out of Australia. Never ignore our strict biosecurity rules. Import shipments may need to be treated and certified. Before you import, check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
Movement controls:
• A quarantine area is in place across 30 local government areas in Perth, WA. This helps contain the spread of the borer and allows for surveillance activities.
• You cannot move bark, potted plants, firewood, tree prunings, logs, plant cuttings, mulch, timber, wood, or wood chips out of the QA. These can act as a host and spread the beetle.
Stay vigilant and up-to-date with developments to help protect our environment!
Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer