Biosecurity SA has alerted South Australian pest control exterminators to be on the look out for any signs of destructive European House Borers (EHB) when inspecting dwellings. The warning follows the introduction of new regulations restricting movement of pine timber products from Western Australia. Source: Stock Journal
Western Australia is the only Australian state to have EHB but it is found overseas in Europe, South Africa, South America, the United States and China.
EHB can infest susceptible pine wood roof timbers, wall frames, flooring and door frames eating timbers from within and weakening structures until they collapse.
“Biosecurity SA has supplemented its border controls to include European House Borer now it’s been recognised nationally that the pest cannot be eradicated,” said Mr Raven Biosecurity’s SA manager of plant and food standards.
“Pine wood timber entering South Australia from WA now may only do so if it’s been certified as either being previously heat treated, fumigated with methyl bromide or a preservative treatment, or certified as sourced from an EHB pest-free area in WA.
“If the timber has been heat treated, each pine wood product must permanently bear a treatment symbol approved by the Chief Inspector, marked in a visible location and containing the treatment date.
“Treatment must have occurred within 21 days before arrival in South Australia. Similar verifications are required for both fumigation and preservation treatments.”
“I’d urge everyone connected with the pest extermination industry, people building properties or even considering extensions or renovations with untreated pine wood, sourced from WA, to check that the timbers are sound and are verified as being EHB free. If not, they should insist verified timber is used.”
Further information on EHB can be found at http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/planthealth/emergency_plant_pests/european_house_borer and reports of sightings of the pest can be made to the exotic plant pest hotline on 1800 084 881.
