MyPestGuide Trees is a free app from the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development which allows quickly identifying both common and exotic pests and diseases found within the forestry and arbor industries.
Users also need to install MyPestGuide® Reporter to make a pest report.
Using MyPestGuide® Trees and MyPestGuide® Reporter gives supporti to local communities, defends industry and helps protects the natural environment from exotic pests, as well as building pest-incidence data to help direct future research.
Using the app
Identifying pests via MyPestGuide Trees works by comparing an observed creature or plant with a database of potential pests in the app. The process starts by filtering from ‘Forest type’ then choosing other filter options to progressively reduce the number of pests shown.
There’s no need to select from all filter options or filter in a set order. The aim is to filter down to a smaller number of pests to compare with the pest being observed. To change the filter selections, tap on the filter line and select a new option, or remove the filter from above the search bar.
Alternately, searching for pests by scientific or common name as well as other words is also available. Enter words into the search box at the top of the home page and MyPestGuide® Trees will do a full-text search for records containing the words.
After completion of filtering and searching, the results button will show the possible pests with thumbnail images and short descriptions.
A report can be created from the menu with ‘Create report’. MyPestGuide Reporter will open automatically into a new Report screen when accessed from MyPestGuide® Trees. If the report involves an individual from the pest details page, the pest ID and common name of the pest will be inserted into the ‘I found’ text section.
For everyday use
The app is designed to make it easy for everyone to get involved in identifying and reporting pest sightings in trees in backyards, streets, parks or local bushland, and was produced with thanks to a project funded by the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) and Council of Grain Growers Organisations Limited (COGGO).
Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. There’s also a web-based version, or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
To learn more of the app, visit mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au.
