Find out what critters may be lurking in your kitchen cupboards by registering to take part in this year’s Pantry Blitz program.
The program, hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), runs from 18 March to 22 April but potential blitzers are encouraged to register online before 3 March to recieve one of only 2000 free Pantry Blitz packs.
Development officer Laura Fagan said Pantry Blitz was a great way to discover any potential plant pests and diseases that could pose a biosecurity risk.
“The public plays an important role in the first line of detection of biosecurity risks and Pantry Blitz builds awareness of day to day surveillance and reporting,” Ms Fagan.
“Early detection and identification is key to respond to biosecurity threats and protect Western Australia’s valuable agriculture industries, environment and lifestyle.”
Pantry Blitz participants receive a free sticky trap, a lure which attracts specific grains pests and a set of assembly instructions. They are asked to take a digital photograph of any tiny visitors in their house or garden and report it to the deparment via its MyPestGuide® Reporter app.
Identification of each specimen and advice on whether it poses a risk to the broader agriculture industry and/or the environment will be provided.
During the Pantry Blitz, all blitzers receive weekly updates containing a summary of pests found and information about these pests.
Ms Fagan said citizen scientists from Albany to Kununurra rallied to take part in last year’s Pantry Blitz and while no serious pests were discovered, plenty of creepy crawlies were reported.
“The most common report was of cigarette or tobacco beetles, which is a common pest of stored pantry products,” she said.
“Reports of no pests found are also important so please send these in during the Pantry Blitz, as these absence reports may help with market access.”
The Pantry Blitz supports the department’s ongoing surveillance efforts and reinforce the State’s area freedom status from many of the world’s worst pests and diseases.
The data from the blitz is used to support evidence of presence and absence of pests and diseases to maintain access to important interstate and overseas markets.
Registrations are now open for the 2022 Pantry Blitz and this can be done by completing the online form. Additional information is also available on the Pantry Blitz page on the department’s website
Report any unusual sightings of pests and disease to DPIRD’s MyPestGuide® Reporter app or via the website mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au or contacting its Pest and Disease Information Service (PADIS) at padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 9368 3080.
Photo captions:
DPIRD senior development officer Rosalie McCauley with a sticky trap that will be sent to Pantry Blitz participants to put in their cupboards to catch unwanted pests.
Media contacts:
Megan Broad/Donna Coleman, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937
