The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are calling for citizen scientists to register for Western Australia’s second Pantry Blitz.
The Pantry Blitz is a biosecurity initiative designed to uncover what type of exotic pests might be hiding in people’s kitchens.
Volunteers who register their interest will be mailed free insect traps to place in their pantries. Once a week, between the 12 August and the 9 September, each participant will photograph any insects that appear in their traps and report findings using the MyPestGuide Reporter app. Entomologists at DPIRD will identify the insects from photographs and report back to volunteers about their findings.
Registrations for Pantry Blitz are currently open. Packages, containing traps and instructions, will be mailed to registered participants. People are encouraged to sign up online via the Pantry Blitz webpage.
Pantry Blitz is a key activity of the department’s Boosting Biosecurity Defences project and is supported by National Science Week and Royalties for Regions.
Key URLS and resources:
- Pantry Blitz 2017 page - https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity/pantry-blitz-2017
- Sign up to participate - https://confirmsubscription.com/h/j/6B163C3AB6347789
- Social media handles – Twitter: DAF_WA and Facebook: @DepartmentofAgricultureandFoodWA
- Social media hashtag: #PantryBlitz17
MyPestGuide website - https://mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au/
MyPestGuide Reporter - https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/apps/mypestguide-reporter
MyPestGuide family of apps - https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity/mypestguide-suite
Mobile app centre - https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/appcentre
Boosting biosecurity defences project - https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/invasive-species/e-surveillance-pests-and-diseases-wa-grains-industry
MyPestGuide Reporter Download Links
Apple App Store -
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mypestguide-reporter/id1032560930?mt=8
Android Google Play Store -https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.agric.mpg.reporter&hl=en
National Science Week – 12-20 August
NSW logos https://www.scienceweek.net.au/get-involved/graphics-logos/
NSW front page https://www.scienceweek.net.au