The City of Canning reported promising early observations from a trial treating 131 mature trees for polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), but the public evidence does not establish a proven, long-lasting treatment. The announcement, made on 9 April 2025, described a local research trial—not a treatment recommendation for other trees. In June 2025, Australia’s coordinated response shifted from eradication to transition-to-management because eradication was judged no longer technically feasible.
What the City of Canning announced
In a 9 April 2025 release, the City said an Australian-first study was testing systemic chemicals on 131 mature trees in Canning River Regional Park. The named collaborators were BioHerbicides Australia, ArbWest, the University of Queensland and Curtin University. The City said the chemicals were inhibiting beetle development and fungal growth, and described the initial results as promising. City of Canning’s announcement does not provide a complete trial protocol, control-group details or a peer-reviewed results paper.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ABC News reported on 10 April 2025 that the trees had been injected about four months earlier with small capsules described as containing insecticide and fungicide. The report said no live beetles or larvae were observed in the trial trees at that point. That is an early observation reported by ABC, not a quantified success rate, proof of eradication, or evidence of how long any effect lasts. The report also quoted a WA government spokesperson saying DPIRD welcomed the opportunity to review more detailed, peer-reviewed results as the work progressed. ABC News report
The City’s Mayor, Patrick Hall, called the initial results “incredibly encouraging” and a “major milestone” in the project team’s work. Those are the Mayor’s characterisations of preliminary findings, not an independently published efficacy assessment. City of Canning’s announcement
#1 Best Overall
- INSECT KILLER - This pest control is great for use on bagworms, borers, beetles, caterpillars, codling moth, gypsy moth, spider mites, loopers, leaf miners, tent caterpillars, thrips and more.
- VARIETY OF FOLIAGE - Protects a wide variety of plants including fruiting vegetables, cucurbits, cole crops, leafy vegetables, tuberous vegetables, stone fruits, bushberries, and pome fruits.
- TARGETS PROBLEM INSECTS - Product is intended for control of listed insects. It does not significantly impact predatory beneficial insects, predatory mites, and spiders while controlling target pests.
- ORGANIC GARDENING - The active ingredient in Dead Bug Brew is a naturally occurring bacteria called Spinosad. Spinosad is a leading pesticide used worldwide in the production of organic produce.
- READY TO USE - This product is conveniently ready to use when it arrives. The spray nozzle makes this product easy to deploy.
Does the trial show that shot-hole borer can be treated?
It shows that a local trial produced an encouraging early observation, as reported by the City and ABC News. It does not yet show that chemical injection is a validated, durable treatment for PSHB-affected trees generally, or that it should be used by residents or arborists elsewhere. The publicly described material does not establish the active ingredients, full protocol, control design, independent efficacy measurements or duration of protection. WA DPIRD’s transition-to-management FAQ says more work is required to determine the effectiveness of treatment measures. ABC News report · DPIRD transition FAQ
There are no established consumer treatments to compare on the evidence cited here. The Canning trial is a preliminary local research effort; national transition-to-management is a broader response focused on reducing spread and improving management. They have different aims and are not competing proven treatments.
Rank #2
- Kill borers, miners and more in your lawn and garden with Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate with Systemaxx from Bonide
- Concentrate dissolves in water allowing the insecticide to move through the root zone; once in the roots, it moves up through the tree or shrub providing protection from insects; also provides protection for new growth
- Designed for use on listed fruit, nut and ornamental trees and shrubs including roses, apple, peach, cherry trees and more
- Tree and shrub insect control is rainproof within hours; for best results, spray with enough time for it to completely dry before it rains; this long lasting solution will not wash off after it has dried
- This concentrated product arrives ready to mix with water; to use, mix with water according to product label, shake well and apply as a spray or drench; for full use instructions, please see product label
What changed in Australia’s PSHB response?
The Australian Government says PSHB was detected in East Fremantle, Western Australia, in August 2021, and that there have been no detections outside the Perth metropolitan area. On 18 June 2025, the National Management Group concluded that eradication was no longer technically feasible, citing the lack of effective chemical treatment options and the difficulty of detecting and eradicating infestations. The coordinated response moved to transition-to-management activities; it did not stop. Australian Government outbreak guidance · National Management Group communiqué, 18 June 2025
PSHB is a tiny beetle associated with Fusarium fungus. The Australian Government says it has more than 400 host species. Beetles tunnel into trees, and plant material can help spread the pest. Australian Government: about PSHB
Rank #3
- Protect your oasis with Captain Jack's Bt Thuricide Ready-to-Use Spray; this product controls cabbage looper, hornworms, tent caterpillars and more
- Protects fruits, vegetables, shade trees and ornamentals; designed for use on broccoli, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, eggplant, pepper, melons, tomatoes, cabbage, and more
- Kills worms and caterpillar stage insects while causing no harm to birds, earthworms, or beneficial insects, such as honeybees and ladybugs; this product kills by ingestion, after ingesting, bugs immediately stop feeding and will die within 2-3 days
- Active ingredient of the product is a strain of the bacterium bacillus thuringiensis, which is a leading insecticide used worldwide; approved for organic gardening
- This product arrives conveniently ready-to-use in a trigger sprayer bottle; to use, apply thoroughly to affected plants when worms or caterpillars are first noticed; for full use instructions please see product label
What should residents do about a suspect tree or plant material?
Official guidance prioritises limiting human-assisted spread, reporting suspected signs and following quarantine movement restrictions. WA DPIRD says the quarantine area remains in place and that untreated wood and living plants cannot be moved outside it. Restrictions and operational directions can change, so check the current official advice before moving wood, plants, mulch or other potentially affected material. WA DPIRD PSHB guidance
- Report suspected signs through the current WA DPIRD instructions rather than attempting to treat the tree yourself.
- Do not move untreated wood or living plants outside the quarantine area.
- Check the current quarantine map and official instructions before transporting potentially affected material.
DPIRD’s transition FAQ describes ongoing work on surveillance, risk maps, detection methods, lures, host-range research and biological and chemical control strategies. That work reflects continuing investigation, not a public endorsement of the Canning trial method for general use. DPIRD transition FAQ
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap controls species of adelgid, ant, aphid, borer, caterpillar, spider mite, cricket, chinch bug, weevil, fly, thrip, and more
- Designed for outdoor residential use in home gardens, lawns, ornamentals, and greenhouses; use on artichoke, cabbage, onions, berries, basil, lavender, mint, sage, pistachios, almonds, apples, plums, cilantro, lawns, turf and more
- Product kills through direct contact and ingestion; spray insects, such as aphids, directly or allow leaf feeding insects, such as worms and caterpillars, to eat the leaf surface to die
- Approved for organic gardening, Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap is suitable for all of your organic gardening needs
- Product is conveniently ready-to-use when it arrives at your home, the spray nozzle makes this product easy to deploy; for full use instructions, please see product label
Rank #4
- KILLS & REPELS. A preventative and a treatment, this plant-powered insect spray kills and repels indoor pests and keeps your home protected. Kills flying, crawling, biting and stinging pests including ants, roaches, spiders, flies, fleas, ticks, wasps, scorpions, mosquitoes, fruit flies, silverfish, moths, gnats, carpet beetles, earwigs, palmetto bugs, waterbugs.
- PROTECT YOUR HOME. This versatile bug control spray is also an indoor flea treatment and flea killer for your home. It kills fleas in carpet, furniture, bedding and flooring, and eliminates adults, eggs, and larvae in the home without staining.
- SAFE AROUND DOGS & CATS WHEN USED AS DIRECTED. This spray is gentle enough to use several times a week around your loved ones and pets throughout the house when used as directed, yet powerful enough to fully eliminate pests and provide defense of your household from invading insects.
- PLANT POWERED AND POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE. Using natural essential oils, this spray is a safe alternative to electronic bug zappers, lights, traps, powders, granules and conventional pesticides. No artificial colors, fragrances or harsh ingredients. Cruelty-Free.
- EASY-TO-USE. This biopesticide can be sprayed easily around the home, throughout the kitchen, bathroom, and any other living areas. Simply spray around windows, doors, baseboards, under sinks, in cabinets, and around appliances. Works great for dog kennels and cat condos, too! Spray as often as desired for a pest-free home. USA Made with U.S. and global components. Safe when used as directed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
