Polyphagous shot-hole borer detected in Lake Claremont trees

A tiny invasive wood borer has been discovered at Lake Claremont.

About the size of a sesame seed, the Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) excavates tunnels in trees where they cultivate fungus as a food source. This fungus spreads in the tunnels disrupting the flow of water and nutrients.

There is no known effective chemical treatment for PSHB, so we’ve been working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to manage infested trees through the removal of infested material.  

The management of infested trees via removal or pruning is key to containing PSHB spread and minimising further impact on neighbouring trees.

Surveillance at Lake Claremont has identified eight heavily infested Moreton Bay figs, with a further 42 trees displaying significant signs of PSHB infestation. This presence of PSHB at Lake Claremont has been confirmed via molecular analysis at DPIRD’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Services.

Pruning and possible removal of infested trees is scheduled to commence on Monday 20 February 2023.

Removal of the larger Moreton Bay figs will commence on Monday 27 February 2023.

It is expected that the works will take several weeks to complete.

Tree management will be carried out by certified arborists supervised by DPIRD and Town of Claremont staff. We apologise for any noise or inconvenience that this work causes.

For everyone’s safety, please stay away from the active work zones.

Friends of Lake Claremont plans to replant the site with native trees and understory plants with guidance from DPIRD subject matter experts.

Updates on the Lake Claremont works will be provided on the Town of Claremont website.

Residents in the PSHB Quarantine Area are encouraged to inspect their backyard trees for signs of borer damage and/or tree dieback.

Please report signs of borer damage (or any unusual pests) via the MyPestGuide^® reporter app or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.

For more information, including the Quarantine Area map, visit agric.wa.gov.au/borer

Please keep an eye on our website for updates in regards to the works, including any potential changes to dates.