Polyphagous shot-hole borer

What is a Polyphagous shot-hole borer?

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) (Euwallacea fornicatus) is an introduced beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle attacks plants by tunnelling into trunks, stems and branches. PSHB farms its own food source through a symbiotic relationship with a Fasarium fungus. In susceptible trees, the fungus causes tree death.

What plants are affected?

This beetle is highly invasive and attacks a wide range of plant species. The plants affected include native and non-native species. The plant species list is ever evolving, but species that have been found to be highly susceptible to PSHB include: 

  • Box elder maple (Acer negundo)
  • Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)
  • Robinia/Mop Top Robinia/Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
  • Castor oil (Ricinus communis)
  • Common fig (Ficus carica)
  • London Plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia)
  • Swamp paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla)
  • Sea hibiscus/Cottonwood (Talipariti tiliaceum syn. Hibiscus tiliaceus)
  • Morton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla)
  • Poinciana (Delonix regia)
  • White mulberry (Morus alba)
  • Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Restrictions apply to wood, green waste, plant material and impacted machinery. 

  • Wood means wood that is not treated. This includes firewood that has been seasoned for less than 6 months.
  • Green waste includes cut branches or prunings, bark, plant mulch or wood chips. It does not include lawn clippings.
  • Plants means any plant or plant part (including plant cutting) with stems greater than 2 cm in diameter.
  • Machinery means any vehicle, equipment or other mechanical apparatus of any kind that has been used in relation to arboriculture, gardening, mulching, wood chipping or handling of any other wood.

A comprehensive list can be found at DPIRD - PSHB - WA Host Plant List.

Help prevent the spread

While the Shire of Murray does not currently have any cases of PSHB, if you notice any unusual beetle entry holes, discolouration or staining of wood, gumming, galleries, frass or dieback, please report it immediately to the DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service.

How is PSHB controlled? 

There is currently no effective chemical control of the borer. The most successful method is to remove the infected limbs and or tree and chip the wood. 

Residents are asked not to treat suspected trees, as this could lead to further damage to the tree. The removal of an infested tree will only come via DPIRD following the issue of a Pest Control Notice. 

What is not affected?

PSHB does not affect grass, lawn clippings, leaf matter or fruits and vegetables, so they can be disposed of as normal. 

Treated timber or wood products used for construction, fencing or similar are not considered material at risk of PSHB. 

What is the Shire doing?

The Shire is collaborating with DPIRD to raise awareness, along with training staff to recognise the signs of PSHB. We will also be working with DPIRD to manage any impacted trees on Shire property. 

Polyphagous shot-hole borer

Polyphagous shot-hole borer outbreak

Video - Polyphagous shot-hole borer

For further information, contact DPIRD on 08 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.

You can also visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.