Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to help stop the spread of the invasive pest Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB).

Establishment of this pest in WA would have a significant impact on our urban tree canopy and pose a threat to our agricultural industry. The PSHB eradication program is a nationally coordinated and funded response led by DPIRD, since the detection in 2021.

 

What is a Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer?

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) is a small beetle native to Southeast Asia that tunnels into the trunks, stems and branches of trees and plants.  It also has a symbiotic relationship with a Fusarium fungus. It cultivates this fungus inside of plants as a food source for themselves and their larvae.

In susceptible trees, the fungus kills the tree by restricting or preventing the movement of water and nutrients within the tree. This causes symptoms such as Fusarium dieback and eventually tree death. The beetle also creates tunnels, known as galleries, which impacts the structural integrity of the tree.

 

What is being done to help?

A Quarantine Area Notice (QAN) restricting the movement of wood and plant material has been put in place to help stop the spread of PSHB.  The QAN was extended on 6 September 2024 to cover the entire Perth Metropolitan area, extending across 30 local government areas. The QAN encompasses two zones:

  • Zone A covers an area with high numbers of infested plants and has intensive control activities, such as plant removal. This zone has more restrictions on the movement of high-risk materials.
  • Zone B covers an area with fewer to no infested plants and has heightened surveillance underway to identify and control any new infestations discovered. This zone will help create a buffer between areas of high infestations and the rest of WA to further protect our flora. The Shire is currently in Zone B

 

What does this mean for Shire residents and businesses?

To minimise the spread, residents in Zone B need to follow the directions of the QAN.

  • You cannot move untreated or unseasoned wood outside the Quarantine Area, unless chipped to pieces that are 2.5 cm or less in diameter.
  • You cannot move plant materials, inclusive of living plants, that are greater than 2cm in diameter outside the Quarantine Area.
  • You can move wood or plant materials, including living plants, into Zone A (refer to the map for more information DPIRD Quarantine Map Suburb Location)
  • You must ensure any machinery used to handle green waste is cleaned before it can be moved outside the Quarantine Area.
  • Greenwaste must be securely transported in a fully sealed and covered skip bin, trailer, or truck.

A permit from DPIRD, may be needed if you cannot meet the conditions of the QA notice.

What plants are affected?

This beetle is highly invasive and attacks a wide range of plant species, with over 500 documented globally to have been affected. The plants affected include native and non-native species.

The plant species list is ever evolving, but species that have been found to be heavily impacted include:

  • Box elder maple (Acer negundo)
  • Coral tree (Erythrina)
  • Black locust (Robinia)
  • Fig (Ficus)
  • Plane tree (Platanus)
  • Poinciana (Delonix)
  • Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
  • Mulberry (Morus)

A comprehensive list can be found at DPIRD - PSHB - Host Plant List

What is not affected?

PSHB does not affect grass, lawn clippings, leaf matter or fruits and vegetables so can be disposed of as normal.

Treated timber or wood products used for construction, fencing or similar are not considered material at risk of PSHB.

How is PSHB controlled?

There is currently no effective chemical control of the borer.  The most successful method is to remove the infected limbs and or tree and chip the wood.

Residents are asked not to treat suspected trees as this could lead to further damage to the tree.  The removal of an infested tree will only come via DPIRD following the issue of a Pest Control Notice. 

What is the Shire doing?

The Shire is collaborating with DPIRD to raise awareness, along with training staff to recognise the signs of PSHB.

What can you do?

  • Download the MyPestGuide Reporter App, keep an eye on your trees and report any sightings of PSHB
  • Follow the Quarantine guidelines and
  • Help keep your trees healthy.

Further information contact DPIRD on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au. You can also visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.