The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has announced the launch of its annual Pantry Blitz Program.
In a statement, the Department said the Program would run from 18 March to 22 April, during which householders could discover what critters may be lurking in their kitchen cupboards.
DPIRD said, however, participants were urged to register online before 3 March to receive one of 2,000 free Pantry Blitz packs.
Development Officer at DPIRD, 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 said.
“Early detection and identification is the key response to biosecurity threats and to the protection of Western Australia’s valuable agriculture industries, environment and lifestyle,” she said.
Ms Fagan said Pantry Blitz participants would receive a free sticky trap, a lure which attracted 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 Department via its MyPestGuide Reporter app,” she said.
“Identification of each specimen and advice on whether it poses a risk to the broader agriculture industry and/or the environment will be provided.”
The Development Officer said during the Pantry Blitz, participants would receive weekly updates containing a summary of pests found and information about these pests.
“The most common report last year was of cigarette or tobacco beetles, a common pest of stored pantry products,” she said.
“Reports of no pests found are also important, as these absence reports may help with market access,” Ms Fagan said.
Further information on the Department’s Pantry Blitz can be accessed at this PS News link and registration at this link.
