Residents in three South West shires are being asked to clean up any dead pinewood they may have on their properties after a destructive pest species was detected in the area.
The European house borer has been found in the shires of Waroona, Harvey and Dardanup in the past six months, south of the insect infestations previously known to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in the greater Perth area.
As a result, the department is calling on people in the region to clean up any dead or dry pinewood which may be on their properties.
DPIRD technical area coordinator Jenny Crisp said the department had an ongoing problem managing and containing the insect in the State.
“EHB is mainly found in dead pine trees, dead parts of living trees and pine logs and other debris,” she said.
“If it is left uncontrolled, it can potentially cause structural damage to homes and restrict the interstate trade of pine products or items on pine pallets.”
Ms Crisp said movement restrictions were in place for known infested locations, with the department also recommending not moving unwanted seasoned pinewood between properties to prevent unknown spread.
“With the onset of cooler weather, now is a great opportunity to clean up and burn unwanted pinewood to protect your home from this serious wood pest,” she said.
Residents are urged to check their council’s website for information on burn requirements.
Ms Crisp said signs of EHB included small oval-shaped holes 3mm-5mm wide running with the grain of the wood.
“The adult beetles are brownish-black, 8mm to 25mm long, with antennae half as long as their body and can be found resting on surfaces, such as a wall,” she said.
“The larvae are a creamy colour, with a rippled body and enlarged head, which can be found inside pinewood tunnels or galleries.”
Any suspected detections should be reported to DPIRD by its MyPestGuide Reporter app, calling 9368 3080 or emailing [email protected].
For more information visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/ehb.