The Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is currently responding to the detection of polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB).

The establishment of this pest in WA could have significant impact on amenity trees, native vegetation, and some horticultural industries.

The Polyphagous shot hole borer Euwallacea fornicatus is native to Southeast Asia and attacks over 400 species of trees. It burrows into the tree and brings with it the fungus Fusarium sp. which it then cultivates inside the tree as a food source for the beetle and its larvae. In susceptible trees, the fungus kills vascular tissue causing Fusarium dieback and tree death.

DPIRD is seeking the community’s help to report the location of Box elder maple trees (Acer negundo) – also known as box elder, boxelder maple, Manitoba maple or ash-leaved maple.

This species is a key indicator for this pest. The information collected will be used to conduct delimiting surveillance on these “sentinel” trees and prevent the spread of this pest.

Whilst Box elder is the priority host, DPIRD is also inspecting the following high-risk hosts:

• Maple (Acer) – all maple species are high-risk hosts, including Acer negundo (our priority host)
• Oak (Quercus)
• Plane (Platanus)
• Poplar (Populus)
• Coral tree (Erythrina)
• Avocado (Persea)
• Willows (Salix)
• Acacia (Acacia)
• Castorbean (Ricinus)

DPIRD understands privacy constraints with data and would be happy to liaise with local governments area’s or any other partners, if there is data that you think may be useful. GIS or excel data will also be accepted.

Even if you yourself have an Acer at home in your yard, DPIRD would love to inspect it.

If you are aware of any of the trees listed above or any potential PSHB activity, please send an email to or call the Pest and Disease Information Service on +61 (0)8 9368 3080.

You can download the MyPestGuide™ Reporater App (Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Store), visit https://mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au/reporter/#/

For up-to-date information about PSHB, including a full host list please visit https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer or download this comprehensive fact sheet.