Citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis) is an Australian native insect from northern NSW and Queensland. It is an established pest in most Perth suburbs and should be managed like other common pests such as Mediterranean fruit fly, aphids and scales.
Understanding the life cycle of these wasps will help inform what control option to use, and when. The wasp produces a single generation each year, spending 95% of its growth and development inside galls in branches of citrus species. Adult citrus gall wasps emerge from galls in spring (September to December).
A citrus gall wasp lifecycle chart and management calendar are featured below and a factsheet containing comprehensive information can also be downloaded.
Citrus gall wasp has not yet been found in commercial citrus orchards in WA. Regular monitoring will be the key for early detection. In regional areas only, report citrus gall wasp to help industry keep track of the spread outside of the Perth metropolitan area.
Find out more about the lifecycle and management of citrus gall wasp:
Control of citrus gall wasp - factsheetReport citrus pests in regional areas only
Report citrus gall wasp found outside of the Perth metropolitan area by using MyPestGuide.
Information for commercial growers
While citrus gall wasp is yet to be found in commercial orchards in WA, regular monitoring will be the key for early detection. An integrated pest management approach will be most effective for citrus gall wasp control in citrus orchards.
Monitoring and control for commercial growers
-
Citrus gall wasp - biosecurity alertpdf (821 KB)