Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB)

On June 18, 2025, the National Management Group determined that eradicating PSHB was no longer technically feasible. 

This decision was based on several factors, including the difficulty of detecting and controlling infestations before the beetles reproduce and the lack of an effective chemical treatment for eradication. 

The national response has now moved from eradication to long-term management. The response focuses on slowing the spread of PSHB through:

• Surveillance  
• Integrated pest management  
• Management of infested trees  
• Movement restrictions  
• Research and technical support  
• Community and industry education.  

Under the Transition to Management response plan, DPIRD’s pruning and tree removal program focuses on trees in the outer Perth metropolitan area that present a risk of spreading PSHB beyond the Quarantine Area. Other landowners and land managers are responsible for managing affected trees on their properties, with guidance from DPIRD.

DPIRD continues to work with local governments, community groups and industry organisations to protect Perth’s urban tree canopy and build resilience against PSHB.

For current information, read the DPIRD Transition to Management frequently asked questions.

The WA Government has established quarantine restrictions covering the Perth metropolitan area, including the City of Swan, to help slow the spread of PSHB.

The PSHB Quarantine Area covers metropolitan Perth and has two zones:

• The Management Zone, where PSHB is more established 
• The Containment Zone, covering outer metropolitan areas. 

Movement restrictions apply to firewood, green waste, mulch, woody plant material and live plants. As the City of Swan spans both zones, check the current quarantine map before moving these materials.

Management Zone

You:

• Cannot move untreated or unseasoned wood outside the zone unless it is chipped to 2.5cm or smaller
• Cannot move live plants or plant material with stems or branches wider than 2cm outside the zone
• Must clean machinery and equipment before moving it outside the zone
• Can move wood and plant material within the zone.

Containment Zone 

You:

• Cannot move untreated or unseasoned wood outside the Quarantine Area unless it is chipped to 2.5cm or smaller
• Cannot move live plants or plant material with stems or branches wider than 2cm outside the Quarantine Area
• Must clean machinery and equipment before moving it outside the Quarantine Area
• Can move wood and plant material within the Containment Zone or into the Management Zone. 

Disposing of green waste 

Green waste can be taken to an approved PSHB waste management facility. These include the City’s Bullsbrook and Malaga recycling centres and the Red Hill Waste Management Facility. Check opening hours, fees and disposal requirements before visiting.

When transporting green waste:

• Contain and cover the entire load 
• Use a sealed trailer, truck or skip bin 
• Clean your vehicle and equipment after use 
• Follow all quarantine movement restrictions. 

DPIRD's interactive PSHB Quarantine Area Map 
DPIRD’s PSHB webpage 

Female beetles are approximately 2mm long and range from brown to black. Only females can fly and spread to other trees. Males are smaller, approximately 1.6mm long, and do not have wings.

Mature larvae are approximately 3.5mm long. They are white, C-shaped and legless, with a reddish head.

Signs of a possible infestation include:

• Small, round entry or exit holes in trunks and branches  
• Sawdust-like material, known as frass, around the holes  
• Thick resin, sap or gumming  
• Crystalline foam that may resemble small sugar volcanoes  
• Dark staining around entry holes  
• Wilting, discoloured or dying branches  
• Canopy dieback.  

If you notice any of these signs, leave the affected material where it is and report the tree by:

• Reporting it through the MyPestGuide Reporter app  
• Calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881  
• Contacting DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.  

PSHB does not usually travel far by itself. However, it can spread over much greater distances when infested firewood, green waste, mulch or plant material is moved. 

You can help slow its spread by:

• Following the quarantine requirements for your area  
• Not moving untreated wood, green waste, mulch or woody plant material outside the permitted zone  
• Securely covering loads when transporting wood or green waste  
• Using an approved green waste facility  
• Checking trees on your property for signs of infestation  
• Reporting suspected infestations to DPIRD  
• Seeking advice before pruning or removing a tree you suspect is infested  
• Cleaning pruning equipment, chainsaws and woodchippers after use  
• Disinfecting equipment with 70 per cent ethanol, as recommended by DPIRD  
• Buying wood mulch from reputable suppliers  
• Using grass clippings or compost instead of mulch from an unknown source  
• Considering suitable native species when planting new trees. 

If a tree was removed from your property under DPIRD authority due to Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $150 to purchase a replacement tree and eligible planting items. 

Visit the WA Tree Recovery Program webpage to check your eligibility and submit a claim.