Citizen scientists keeping an eye out for the shot-hole borer

The tiny beetle is highly invasive and attacks a wide range of plant species. Image credit: Department of Agriculture and Food.

The polyphagous shot-hole borer tunnels into the trunks, stems and branches of trees and plants. Image credit: Department of Agriculture and Food.

Community surveillance is playing a key part in the battle against the destructive polyphagous shot-hole borer which is impacting Perth’s urban canopy. 

Public reports of suspected sightings are assisting the biosecurity response, and at the Perth Royal Show in September, WA families were encouraged to join the fight against this tiny beetle from Southeast Asia by visiting the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) display. 

There, they were given information on how to identify and report the borer to become a “DPIRD Discoverer” and children had an opportunity to participate in a “Where’s Poly” Scavenger Hunt to learn how to search for signs of this highly destructive pest. 

Parents were shown how to download the MyPestGuide Reporter app to report observations and DPIRD officers were on hand to explain the new Quarantine Area movement restrictions for the Perth metropolitan area and the department’s extensive surveillance and trapping campaign, which extends to the regions. 

“We need everyone’s help in the battle against the shot-hole borer and community surveillance and reporting is so important because early detection is key,” said Agriculture and Food Minister, Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC. 

“It was a public report in 2021 that led to our first shot-hole borer detection and triggered the State’s biggest ever biosecurity response. 

More on the Shot-Hole borer here.