Current situation in NSW (as at 29 October 2009)

General

  • Hatching commenced in August 2009 in parts of the central west, central north and north west areas of the State. As a result, nymphal bands developed in theses areas, with the majority reported within the Central West Livestock Health & Pest Authority.
  • The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) conducted aerial surveillance in the northern parts of the Central West with large numbers of bands sighted in the Coonamble area, some up to 1,000 metres long.
  • A ground control campaign by landholders and Livestock Health & Pest Authorities (LHPAs) has been underway over the past weeks, with the APLC conducting aerial control over some 50 square kilometres.
  • Locust control has been hampered by adverse weather conditions including cooler conditions, rain and variable winds.
  • Swarms have started to develop in the Coonamble region and potentially they pose a risk to crops and pasture. Migration of swarms, if any, will depend on weather condition and feed availability.
  • Further information is also available on the APLC website at www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/locusts/current.
  • Landholders observing any locust activity, including swarms, hatchings or egg beds, should report this to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

Current activity within NSW

  • Total locust activity reports at the 29 October 2009 were 361.
  • Central West LHPA - A total of 287 reports have been received, predominantly from the Coonamble area.
  • Lachlan LHPA - A total of 43 reports have been received, mainly from the northern part of the District.
  • North West LHPA - A total of 17 reports have been received, with the main activity being around Come-By-Chance.
  • Central North LHPA - A total of 12 reports have been received
  • Riverina & Western LHPAs - 1 report from each.
  • Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) and the LHPAs recently carried out aerial surveillance in the southern parts of the Central West with a small amount of banding activity sighted.
  • Despite the best control efforts, it is inevitable that some swarms will develop.
  • A few low density swarms have already been reported in the Coonamble region. Swarm numbers are expected to intensify as the conditions warm up.
  • Swarms have the potential to damage any green crops, pasture or lay eggs.
  • Landholders are reminded to remain vigilant in monitoring and reporting any locust activity.

Control campaign

I&I NSW, NSW Farmers Association, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, APLC and NSW land managers work together to control locusts in NSW. The primary aim is to contain the outbreak at the nymphal stage using ground control to reduce the number of locusts migrating, breeding and laying more eggs.

Spraying locust nymphs when they are concentrated together into a band, approximately 2-3 weeks (around the 3rd instar stage) after hatching is the most efficient and economic time to control locusts. NSW control strategies continue to be based on landholder ground spraying of locust bands and fledgling medium and high density swarms to prevent them becoming airborne.

Control of swarms using booms on high settings and misters in the early morning and evening when adult locusts are settled on the ground has proven to be effective during past control campaigns. Insecticides available for locust control include fenitrothion, chlorpyrifos and Metarhizium (biological fungal agent which has been successfully used on organic crops and environmentally sensitive habitats).

Aerial control is a last resort and will only be considered when all ground control options have been exhausted. Aerial spraying is also subject to meeting strict environmental and operational requirements. Terrain, environmental and other risk factors impose significant constraints and opportunities for cost-effective aerial control are very limited. Label restrictions include buffer zones to all water sources, domestic dwellings, crops and other sensitive areas. A case by case risk assessment must be undertaken beforehand.

Local Livestock Health and Pest Authorities provide advice to landholders on appropriate control measures, issue insecticide to eligible landholders and implement locust control measures if appropriate circumstances occur.

Landholder responsibilities

Under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 landholders have the responsibility to report the presence of plague locusts to their Livestock Health and Pest Authority and to control locusts on their land. Insecticides will be provided to LHPA ratepayers by their LHPA.

The insecticides must be used according to the requirements of the Pesticides Act 1999. The Act requires that all insecticide applications be recorded. A recording sheet template can be accessed from the I&I NSW website.

It is important that all landholders monitor and report all plague locust activity. Developing swarms have the potential to destroy crops, pastures and lay eggs, potentially leading to further locust generations..

Apiarists and Organic Producers

Apiarists with bee hives located in areas affected by plague locust control activities should contact the Livestock Health and Pest Authority and the landowner to ensure that control officers are notified of the location and number of hives.

Registered organic producers or those seeking organic certification should also notify the LHPA to ensure that the location of their premises can be considered in risk assessment and pre-control checks.

Warning to motorists

  • Motorists should be aware that visibility may be reduced if travelling through a swarm. Ensure that the windscreen wiper tank is full and carry extra water and a rag to wipe off excess insects if necessary. Headlights may also need cleaning.
  • The front grille should be regularly checked and cleaned to reduce the possibility of the engine overheating. It may be advisable to fix a mesh insect screen to the front of the vehicle.

Further information