Aerial spraying of locusts begins

The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are responding quickly to control banding locusts in the Coonamble region, with extra staff on the ground and aerial spraying of inaccessible and densely-infested areas starting next week.

Working with the Australian Plague Locust Commission and Industry & Investment NSW, the LHPAs have mobilised their resources and gathered staff from authorities across NSW.

LHPA pest manager, Tim Seears said the LHPAs are moving swiftly to help treat affected areas and assess other properties as locusts started to band.

"The worst affected area is around Coonamble, so we are pooling our resources to help minimise the damage caused by banding locusts in the region," Mr Seears said.

"LHPA rangers and field staff from around the state are in Coonamble visiting affected properties, providing chemical and assisting with control methods.

"To assist landholders in areas that are inaccessible or very densely infested with locusts, the LHPA and APLC will be coordinating aerial spraying."

While the aerial spraying will assist treating locusts in some areas, it remains the responsibility of landholders to undertake locust control on their properties.

"It is incredibly important that landholders continue to report all locust activity to their local LHPA office," Mr Seears said.

Now is the optimal time for spraying locusts in the central west region, with ground control during the 'banding' stage the most effective method of control.

Mr Seears said that if ground control is not undertaken in the banding period, many of these locust bands will mature into adults and form large swarms, causing more major damage to crops and pasture.

There have also been increasing numbers of locusts reported west of Dubbo to Trangie, and south down to Forbes.

The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities will provide insecticide to landholders to treat immature locusts if they meet criteria for locust densities.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378