Insect quarantine and the timber industry in Queensland

Abstract

Eighty-seven species of wood boring insects intercepted by quarantine at the Port of Brisbane during the period 1969–1976 are listed. Data on the modes of entry and countries of origin of these insects (grouped by families) are presented. Almost 75 per cent of a total of 571 interceptions of wood boring insects were from sawn timber and wooden crates. Approximately 62.5 per cent of all interceptions were from material originating in Malaysia (29.8%) and Papua New Guinea (32.7%).

Fumigation of infested imports with methyl bromide is the most common control measure employed and has proved both practicable and effective for large volumes of logs and sawn timber. Problems relating to the detection and containment of insect infestations in timbers at the ports of entry are discussed.

It is concluded that there is a substantial risk of the establishment of exotic wood boring insects in Queensland and that quarantine must continue to operate on the principle of total exclusion.