Pests, Diseases and Control Methods

The CSIRO introduces a biocontrol fungus in the hope it reduces the spread of African boxthorn weed, but it is not available outside NSW due to lack of funding. 

As beekeepers from four states cross borders to pollinate almond trees, there are fears the annual event could help spread the deadly varroa mite around the nation.

Beekeepers are being urged to monitor, test and treat infected colonies as varroa mite continues to spread throughout southern NSW, including to Bega near the Victorian border.

The honey bee-killing parasite has spread across New South Wales. Now, other states and territories are potentially in the firing line.

Fearing for their treasured bees, a couple of amateur organic beekeepers launch Varroa Warriors to combat confusion over treatment options.

It's been 10 years since Macquarie Island was declared pest free. Scientists say the transformation of the World Heritage-listed area has been extraordinary, but new threats are on the horizon.

There's been an ongoing trend of people trading their city life for a charming country cottage, but farmers want you to make sure you know what you're signing up for.

A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher working with the world's "largest arachnid venom collection" is aiming to invent a honey-bee-friendly bio-insecticide for farmers battling swarms of hungry locusts. 

DNA testing has confirmed invasive fire ants found at a southern Queensland army base are linked to the existing Brisbane infestation, prompting calls for an audit of all Defence land.

A Queensland-developed system of trapping mosquitoes and testing their saliva for viruses, including Ross River, is being used to warn people before cases start ramping up.

Persistent rain has created some of the most impressive poinciana blooms in recent years, but it's also led to ideal breeding conditions for some caterpillars.

Wagga's council says it found 500 slaughtered horses on a property this week. Now the NSW government has launched a multi-agency investigation into the National Parks and Wildlife brumby re-homing program.

Since its discovery last year, the papaya mealybug has spread across Darwin, impacting a range of host plants such as papaya, hibiscus and frangipanis.

There are some things that are cute to us like ladybirds — but not if you're a tomato potato psyllid, a wasp-like pest that can halve crop yields.

A potentially deadly virus normally seen in warmer climates is killing cattle in an area of New South Wales where farmers rarely, if ever, see a case.

The plague occurs naturally in rural parts of the western United States, where it is carried by wild rodents including rock squirrels, wood rats, chipmunks, mice and rabbits.

A variety of the highly destructive varroa mite has been detected in Brisbane. Movement restrictions have been imposed and keepers are being urged to test their bees for the parasite.

National allergy bodies are calling for a more widespread and immediate eradication program for fire ants, with fears up to 174,000 people could develop severe allergic reactions to their bite if they became endemic in Australia.

The Commonwealth and state governments are doubling down on a half-billion-dollar program that's so far failed to stop the spread of the red imported fire ant.

Lucas MacLean and his wife Mackenzie are no strangers to DIY projects, but when they bought their latest renovator's delight it brought with it an unexpected challenge.