Reporting suspected West Indian drywood termite detections

West Indian drywood termite (WIDT) is not regulated biosecurity matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014. This means that reporting and diagnostics are helpful but no longer mandatory.

Reasons to report WIDT and how to report

WIDT is a destructive introduced pest that is established in Queensland. Everybody has a general biosecurity obligation to take reasonable measures to minimise its spread. By reporting suspect detections of WIDT, you allow the Department of Primary Industries to collate information such as the suburbs where WIDT has been reported. This information can then be made available to the public.

If you suspect you have seen WIDT, you can report online or phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

Diagnostics for WIDT

You no longer need to have suspect detections of WIDT confirmed via laboratory diagnosis. Instead, you can contact an experienced pest management technician, who may help identify WIDT and provide advice on treatment options.

However, if you choose to do so, you can collect samples of suspected WIDT for diagnostic identification by the Plant Biosecurity Laboratory. This service will incur the current fee for Pest and disease diagnostic tests – Taxonomic and reference services – Identification to species.

For more information about this process and sample submission forms, contact the Plant Biosecurity Laboratory.

What to collect for a suspected WIDT sample

A sample may include:

  • several soldier bodies, heads, frass or termite wings
  • a high-resolution digital photograph of the termites, frass and their damage⁠—as well as or instead of a physical sample.

However, if WIDT is suspected from a digital image, you will be asked to provide a physical sample for confirmation under a microscope.

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