It is a sap-feeding insect which attacks pine, fir and spruce trees, with more than 500 infested trees found recently in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

But its mere presence creates significant concerns for the vast areas of pine plantations in the North East near Myrtleford and Koetong, along with areas in southern NSW.

Giant pine scale is established in parts of Europe, particularly in Greece, Crete, Italy and Turkey.

It is unknown how it entered Australia, but based on scientific knowledge and the present level of distribution and infestation, it is thought to have been here for several years.

The possible entry for the exotic insects could be shipping cargo containers, air freight, postal services, people and possibly even online shopping.

Staff from Victoria’s Department of Econo- mic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources routinely inspect wood plantations.

The number of checks have increased since the discovery of the infestation, but at this stage it is confined to the Melbourne area.

The department is seeking help from gardeners and anyone else to get rid of the pest by reporting any white, cotton-like waxy secretions on their pine, fir and spruce trees.

Trees impacted by giant pine scale suffer severe dehydration, branch dieback and possible death.

Victoria’s chief plant health officer Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, said community support and assistance was integral to the success of the eradication program.

“An urgent program is under way to help protect Australia’s more than $1 billion softwood plantation industry, and to help maintain the health and safety of host trees,” Dr Vivian-Smith said.

“To minimise further spread, we’re asking people not to touch, move or collect suspected samples or parts of infected trees.”

“We are working closely with local councils, the nursery and garden industry, arborists and related businesses as part of the program to ensure all avenues of identi- fication and transfer of this pest are managed closely.”

Staff from the department will hunt for giant pine scale to assess its spread.

Gardeners can report any white, waxy secretions via the toll-free hotline, 1800 084 881.

More information about giant pine scale is available at vic.gov.au/giantpinescale.

Residents can also email photos of the suspected pest, together with a contact number and the location, to plant.protection@ecodev.vic.gov.au.