ENTOMOLOGY SECTION
Phone: +61 8 9368 3232
Email: pdavis@agric.wa.gov.au
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Davis, P. (B. Sc. (Zool)) - Peter completed his degree course in 1974 and commenced work with the Division of Entomology, CSIRO. He worked on the ecology and natural viral diseases of potato tuber moth and was involved in research on light brown apple moths.
Peter transferred to the Agency of Agriculture in 1976 and spent time answering general enquiries on insect pests where he gained broad experience in general insect identification and control. Peter then participated in the successful trial eradication of the Mediterranean fruit fly at Carnarvon using inundative sterile male release techniques.
He then headed the State/Commonwealth funded program which attempted the eradication of the exotic green or burrowing snail. A little while later he also took on the controversial Argentine ant programme. Peter's research team has been investigating more effective and environmentally acceptable methods of controlling Argentine ants including a patented bait matrix.
Peter also studies other social insects including the exotic European wasp and
termites. Based on his broad knowledge and experience on termites, Peter has been invited
to participate on several working parties, including one commissioned by the Minister of
Housing, to guide Government policy. Peter is a member of the Australian Entomological
Society and is a past Treasurer.