You may have noticed these traps popping up around South Perth. It allows the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to track and restrict the movement of the polyphagous shot-hole borer, which is a tiny but highly destructive exotic beetle. 

The evil little things can kill a wide range of trees including avocado and citrus and some native trees - and that would be devastating. 

You can assist by looking for multiple holes approximately the size of a ballpoint pen tip on the trunk or branches, powdered matter extruding from the tree and crystalline foam (sugar volcanoes) exuded from the entry holes.

Any signs of borer damage should be reported immediately to the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080, email [email protected]