Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB)

Confirmed Presence:
DPIRD has confirmed the presence of PSHB within the City of Belmont. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report anything unusual to the Department via MyPestGuide.

City Actions:
The City of Belmont is working with DPIRD and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to manage and prevent further spread. We are actively reviewing environmental practices and participating in technical forums to improve resilience against PSHB and similar pests.

Protocols Adopted:

• Regular disinfection of landscaping tools with methylated spirits.

• Thorough cleaning of vehicles and equipment before leaving work sites.

• Quarantine measures for storing city equipment.

• Following strict cleaning guidelines in affected areas.

• Covering vegetation during transport.

• Educating contractors and volunteers about PSHB and hygiene protocols.

If a tree in the City’s management area is infested, DPIRD may either remove it or perform reduction pruning, following their Tree Management Plan. In accordance with DPIRD’s Tree Management Plan they are responsible for arranging, managing, and paying for these tree maintenance works to be undertaken.

In line with the Urban Forest Policy, the City, where possible, will replace removed trees with similar species suitable for the location.
 

We encourage all residents and businesses to familiarise themselves with PSHB and take steps to prevent its spread.
 
Key Actions:

• Know the signs of PSHB infestations and which trees are vulnerable.

• Observe Quarantine Area restrictions:

  • Avoid moving wood or plant material without proper treatment (grass clippings are exempt).

  • Wood larger than 2 cm in diameter should be chipped into pieces smaller than 2.5 cm.

• Report suspicious activity via MyPestGuide or contact DPIRD directly.
   

What do PSHB look like? 

• Female PSHB: 2 mm in length, brown to black, the only gender capable of flight.

• Male PSHB: 1.6 mm, wingless.

• Larvae: White, C-shaped, 3.5 mm long, with reddish heads.

Signs of Infestation:

• Small entry holes (like a sesame seed).

• Sawdust-like material around the base of the tree.

• Tree dieback or wilting.
   

Beetle entry holes
The entrance holes are approximtely the size of a ballpoint pen tip.

Discolouration or staining of wood
The fungus cultivated by the beetle can cause dark discolouration
 

"Galleries"
Tunnels excavated by the beetles where they cultivate a fungus.

Gumming
Thick resin or sap sometimes pushes the beetle out of the gallery.

Frass
Produced by the beetle’s tunneling, frass or ‘noodles’ may be present extruding from trees. This can indicate the infestation level is high.
 

Dieback
In susceptible trees the Fusarium fungus kills tree vascular tissue causing branch dieback and tree death.
 

If you spot any signs of PSHB, report them immediately using the MyPestGuide app, or contact DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service at:
 
Phone: +61 (0)8 9368 3080
Email: padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
 
What else can I do to minimise the spread?

• Firewood: Only use firewood locally sourced.

• Tool sanitation: Disinfect chainsaws and pruning tools after use.

• Tree care: Water susceptible species during summer, as PSHB targets stressed trees.

• Quarantine awareness: Avoid moving plant material from infected areas.
   

The City of Belmont is part of DPIRD’s Quarantine Area (QA), restricting the movement of wood and plant material. The new QA divides Perth into two zones (Zone A and Zone B) to support eradication and limit the spread of PSHB.

• Zone A: Movement of wood/plant materials is allowed within Zone A but prohibited outside the QA without proper treatment.

• Green waste: Can be moved outside Zone A only if chipped to less than 2.5 cm in diameter. Green waste can be moved from within the Zone A to a place outside of the QA or in Zone B if it is transported to a waste management premises contained on the list of PSHB waste management facilities.

• Machinery: Use of machinery to handle green waste must be cleaned before it can be moved outside of Zone A.

For full details, view the interactive map and zone requirements on the DPIRD website.
 

Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)
Phone: +61 (0)8 9368 3080
Email: padis@dpird.wa.gov.au 
Website: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer

For additional resources, visit the PSHB Communications Portal and PSHB Frequently Asked Questions.