Be on the look out for hatching locusts in Darling LHPA
Rangers in the Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority are asking all landholders to closely monitor their properties for locust activity in the lead-up to the expected locust plague this spring.
With hatching dates now expected in the region from mid August, landholders need to report any plague locusts on their land to their local LHPA office.
Darling LHPA senior ranger, Colin Betts says that timely action from landholders will be essential to minimise the impact of plague locusts in the area this spring.
"Due to the relatively mild winter we’ve had across the authority, the locust hatching dates have been brought forward about ten days to two weeks," Mr Betts said.
"This means that in the Brewarrina-Bourke region, hatchings are now expected to start any time from mid August. In the Tibooburra and Wanaaring areas, hatchings could be as early as 10 August."
"The most effective time to treat locusts is about two weeks after they hatch, during the banding stage. This is why we need all landholders to continue to monitor their properties and immediately report any egg beds, hatchings or banding locusts to their local ranger."
Mr Betts said the good rainfall and floods earlier in the year have created perfect conditions for locusts eggs to mature and hatch, with a lot of dry ground cover still in the area.
"This has been a perfect season for locusts – the widespread rain and mild temperatures have allowed multiple egg layings. And while it’s great to see green pasture and dry ground cover across so much of the region, this also means there is plenty of feed for locusts when they hatch," Mr Betts said.
"All landholders should be on the lookout for locusts while driving around their properties. If you can identify where the locusts settled previously this will be a good indication of where the egg beds are and we can monitor that area.
"We need reports of any activity so that we can assist landholders to target the right areas when the locusts are banding."
To report locust activity on your property, contact your local LHPA ranger in Bourke, Cobar, Brewarrina or Wanaaring.
Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378