The City of Mandurah continues to urge residents to look out for the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), a highly invasive beetle that poses a threat to our local trees and urban canopy.
What is PSHB?
PSHB is a tiny beetle (about the size of a sesame seed) originally from Southeast Asia. It tunnels into tree trunks, stems, and branches, introducing a fungus that disrupts the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to dieback and death. Losing trees affects our urban areas and the wildlife that inhabit them.
Latest update: transition to management
As of 1 July 2025, the national response to PSHB has shifted from eradication to management. The National Management Group determined that eradication is no longer technically feasible due to:
- Difficulty detecting infestations early
- Lack of effective chemical treatments
- The scale of tree removal required
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is now leading an 18-month Transition to Management Plan in WA, working with local governments, industry, and the community to build long-term capacity to manage the pest.
Quarantine area
The quarantine zones remain in place for the entire Perth metropolitan area:
- Zone A – high-risk areas with active infestations and tree removals
- Zone B – buffer zones with increased monitoring
The current quarantine zone ends at border of the City of Mandurah and the City of Rockingham. However, this zone is regularly updated as new detections of PSHB are confirmed.
Even though Mandurah is not officially within the quarantine zone, residents still need to follow strict rules around moving wood, mulch, and plant materials, especially if these items come from inside the quarantine area. This includes deliveries of plants and trees, which may require permits issued by DPIRD.
What to look out for
Signs of PSHB infestation include:
- Small round holes in bark
- Dark wet patches or gumming
- White powdery residue
- Dieback in branches or canopy
Which trees does the beetle impact?
The PSHB attacks many types of trees. The following have been identified as some of the most common species in WA:
- Black Locust
- Box Elder Maple
- Callery Pear
- Coral Tree
- Moreton Bay Fig
- Plane Tree
- Poinciana
- Port Jackson Fig
- Weeping Willow
- White Mulberry
How to report a sighting
If you suspect PSHB in your area:
- Take clear photos of symptoms
- Report via the MyPestGuide Reporter app
- Alternatively, contact DPIRD's Pest and Disease Information Service
- Call (08) 9368 3080
- Email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
Stay informed
For the latest updates, visit:
