European wasps
The annual campaign to stop European wasps gaining a foothold in WA is underway with an increased focus on regional areas in the 2022-2023 season. European wasps look similar to yellow paper wasps but are distinguished by completely black antennae and shorter legs, which they tuck up under their body when they fly.
“The European wasp is a declared pest in WA due to its potential to impact our health and outdoor lifestyle, agricultural industries and the environment,” said Mr Van Schagen from DPIRD.
DIPRD has deployed 3000 surveillance traps throughout Perth and at several regional ports and main freight entry points into WA.
Reports of suspect European wasp sightings can be made via the department’s MyPestGuide Reporter app®, the department website, or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
If you would like help with the MyPestGuide App pop in and see us at Shop 5, 145 Hampton Street Bridgetown or call us on 0455 522 750.
Biosecurity alert: Myrtle Rust
Bush walkers and travellers are urged to look out for and report plants with signs of myrtle rust and take precautions when travelling in and out of affected areas to reduce the spread.
Myrtle rust is a serious disease that infects and kills many plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family including eucalypts, bottlebrushes, paperbarks and peppermint trees. Myrtle rust could also damage eucalyptus or oil mallee plantations, apiculture, the cut native flower trade and the garden industry, and its spread could affect tourism if natural landscapes were badly damaged.
Caused by the fungus Austropuccinia psidii, it was first discovered in New South Wales in 2010 and was detected in the northern part of Western Australia in June 2022. It has now been detected in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and most recently on an isolated property in the northern part of Western Australia (WA).
Laboratory trials have shown that a large number of plant species will be affected by this disease, although it is not yet known how climate differences might influence its spread in WA compared to its spread on the eastern seaboard.
Myrtle rust can be controlled by chemicals such as copper oxychloride, triforine, mancozeb, tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin in the home garden, but chemical control is not a viable option for large-scale landscapes, native forests and other natural ecosystems.
To learn more about this plant destroying fungus and how to control it, you can visit DPIRD here.