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Suction trap targets winged exotic pests

  • Newsletter
  • Pests
  • Biosecurity
26 September 2023
Image of a person in high-vision bright yellow shirt with the word "Biosecurity" written on it. They are crouched in front of a large silver cylinder machine.
Hitchhiker surveillance officer Daniel Contarini installs the Brisbane suction trap at an AA.

A newly developed insect trap that targets winged exotic insects is being tested before it’s rolled out nationally.

Our Operational Science and Surveillance team is at the heart of the device, and they’re evaluating the trap for use in border surveillance.

The traps draw winged insects out of the air in both indoor and outdoor settings and they’re currently in use at Approved Arrangement (AA) facilities that handle fresh produce, cut flowers and containerised goods.

The trap works by using a motorised fan to suck passing airborne insects down a mesh funnel and into a collection pot.

Since March, entomologists have identified more than 3500 insects from 98 different families caught in these traps. Most are endemic pests which have entered buildings through doors and other openings, however exotic black fungus gnats were recently captured by the trap in Brisbane and further surveillance is being carried out.

For more information contact Peter.Scott@aff.gov.au

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Page last updated: 26 September 2023

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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