Help stop the spread of European House Borer

EHB is a destructive pest that attacks untreated pinewood timber and can cause major structural damage to buildings.

The adult beetle lays its eggs in cracks, holes and joints in dead pine trees, dead branches, or other dead parts of living trees and untreated pine timber.

The larvae that emerge from the eggs cause the damage and continue to infest the timber as the cycle repeats.

Three EHB infestations have been discovered in the City of Armadale, so to minimise the pest's spread, the City is working with DAFWA and incorporating EHB regulations and recommendations into City operations.

Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds said it was important residents and businesses were aware of the damage EHB could cause and to support the City's efforts to stop its spread.

"Restricted Movement Zones, as part of the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection (European House Borer) Regulations 2006 apply to the suburbs of Piara Waters, Forrestdale, Roleystone, Karragullen (part) and Harrisdale (part)," Cr Reynolds said.

"To assist in the fight against EHB, the City of Armadale's first step has been in the area of building licence approvals - new buildings within Restricted Movement Zones must use treated pine or other non-susceptible materials.

"In the future, we will give additional consideration to using EHB-approved waste facilities for timber waste, undertaking tree hygiene in EHB susceptible areas and meeting other regulations applicable to RMZ areas.

"Restrictions apply mainly to the movement, treatment, storage, disposal and destruction of untreated pinewood."

Ways residents and businesses can help prevent EHB damage and spread:

Be aware of EHB.

Adhere to untreated pinewood movement regulations - primarily that untreated pinewood cannot be moved outside of RMZ boundaries without proper treatment or authorisation from the EHB Office.

Use treated pine in all building construction - contact the Building Commission on (1300) 489 099 for more information.

Unwanted pinewood, including timber, off-cuts, tree waste, firewood and even furniture must be properly stored, or disposed of through Council bins, verge side collections and at Municipal landfill facilities.

Do not remove untreated pinewood from verge side collections.

Businesses should undertake EHB risk management planning to mitigate potential EHB infestation and comply with movement restrictions.

If your home is built with untreated pine, have regular inspections undertaken by an EHB-accredited pest controller.

Importantly, report any suspect EHB findings to the EHB hotline on (1800) 084 881.

For more information and for detailed RMZ maps, contact the EHB Office on 9366 2300, or visit the website at www.ehb.wa.gov.au