The WA Government is targeting dung beetles to reduce bush fly populations and improve pastures. Photo: stock
THE WA Government is devising a ‘new’ way to ward off bush flies — dung beetles.
The government is spending $500,000 to help South-West tourist towns and residents to curb growing bushfly populations.
Twelve species of dung beetle were established in the state to feed on cow pats, which can significantly decrease fly larvae.
WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis says the dung beetle “is our secret weapon in the fight against WA’s growing fly population”.
“We all know how annoying flies can be. This innovative solution will help provide relief for tourists and residents as well as improve soil health and productivity for local farmers,” she says.
“Dung beetles are a small bug that could have a big impact on Western Australia’s fly population and the benefits could be felt as far as Perth.”
Warren Catchments Council was awarded a tender to manage soil health and drive the long-term establishment of dung beetles in the state’s South-West, the government says.
Livestock producers will be taught how to use dung beetles to improve soil health therefore improving pastures and flow-on benefits for their animals.
Education, extension and outreach activities will help landholders better understand the bushfly breeding cycle, business benefits and measures to help reduce the fly population.
Farmers and tourism businesses will also be asked to be part of research and trials to better identify suitable dung beetle species for a year-round program.
ABOUT THE BUSH FLY
The bush fly is a native insect that survives over winter in the wheatbelt and further north-east.
Populations build up there in early spring and are pushed by easterly winds into the south-west every October for the start of their breeding season.
Twelve species of introduced dung beetles have established in Western Australia, with 10 doing well in the south-west.
Details about the dung beetle soil health initiative, visit: www.agric.wa.gov.au/dung-beetles
