ABC News
They tunnel deep into the wood and cultivate a fungus which blocks the arteries, or vascular system, of the tree — so it can't transport water and nutrients to its branches and dies of thirst.
Adding to the challenge, chemical treatments do not work to kill shot-hole borers in heavily infested trees.
Dr Lanoiselet said the fungus not only stopped the flow of water and nutrients but also blocked any chemicals that could poison the beetle.
"The chemical cannot be distributed within the tree based on the fact that vascular system of the tree has been destroyed," he said.
"If we had a chemical option, we would use it."
Something we definitely don't want in Australia. Don't buy trees from WA, folks.
It seems like every week there is a new invasive pest arriving. Governments have really dropped the ball on quarantine. Free trade is also to blame, methinks.