The pest fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda) is established throughout the Kimberley, Pilbara and further south in Carnarvon, Karratha, and Gingin.

As part of the ongoing surveillance program run by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), fall armyworm has been detected near Geraldton, and Northam, though it has not been confirmed as established in these areas.

Cropping, horticulture and turf grass growers are encouraged to check for larvae in their crops and monitor for unusual levels of damage.

Growers can also set up a pheromone trap on their property to monitor for the moths, which serve as an early warning for the presence of larvae.

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