Crops at risk as mice numbers build up

In the lead up to winter crop plantings, rangers from the Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority are encouraging landholders to monitor mouse numbers in their paddocks.

Riverina LHPA senior ranger, Peter O’Shannassy, says landholders are also advised to check for populations around sheds and along fence lines, as mice may be harbouring in these areas.

"Our rangers have been assisting landholders to control mice by providing advice and treating grain, supplied by the landholders, with poison for use as perimeter bait," Mr O’Shannassy said.

"The rangers are now receiving requests to poison grain every few days, which means that mice numbers are on the rise and control is now critical especially leading into winter sowing.

"We are receiving feedback that tracking baits and bait stations are working well around sheds and helping to prevent damage to valuable plant and equipment."

Mr O’Shannassy said there has been ample food in stubble paddocks for mice to feed on, but as stubble burning begins the mice in these areas will be looking to relocate.

"Ripening summer crops are also being targeted, with damage recorded in rice, sorghum, corn and millet," said Mr O’Shannassy.

"It’s important that landholders monitor mice populations and take appropriate measures before they cause irreversible damage to crops, machinery and other infrastructure."

Landholders can contact our rangers and arrange assistance in the form of advice or control agents by phoning their local office of the Riverina LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378