Locust hatchings on the rise in the north west
New locust hatchings triggered by recent rains in the north west of the State have prompted the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to remind landholders of the need to continue monitoring their properties for locust activity.
NSW Plague Locust Commissioner, Graeme Eggleston, said aerial surveillance by the Australian Plague Locust Commission has uncovered more than 60 locust bands between Coonamble and Quambone, and between Bourke and Louth.
“Some of the bands are reported to be up to one kilometre long,” he said.
“It is vital that these bands be treated in the next few days before they mature and form swarms that could devour early sown winter crops and pasture.
“Landholders in any area where there has been recent rain should check their properties for signs of locust activity.
“It is especially important for farmers around Coonamble, Quambone, Bourke, Louth and Nyngan to check their properties for locusts and report any activity to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA).
“Insecticide will be supplied by LHPA’s for ratepayers to treat locust bands at the appropriate time.”
Mr Eggleston said the massive 2004 locust plague was triggered by similar locust activity the previous autumn not being located and promptly treated in this area.
“We don’t want the same thing to happen again, so I urge all landholders to closely check their whole property and take immediate action if they find locusts,” he said.
“To date the joint effort between landholders, DPI, NSW Farmers’ Association and Livestock Health and Pest Authorities has been phenomenally successful and we need to continue that effort.
“This strategy successfully contained widespread locust activity in the south of the State in spring and minimised activity in the central west.
“It has been estimated that $815 million in pastures and crops have saved over spring and summer.
“Now is the time to build on that success with by cleaning up remaining pockets of locusts before they have the opportunity to cause more damage and lay eggs that could lead to another plague next spring.”
There have been more than 4,600 reports of locust activity since last spring and enough insecticide distributed for ground treatment of 135,000 hectares of banding locusts.
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Media contact: Tom Braz 02 6391 3579, 0428 256 596