Monitor locusts for egg layings

Rangers in the Lachlan Livestock Health and Pest Authority are asking landholders to continue monitoring locusts, in particular for egg laying, to help reduce the severity of a potential plague in 2011.

While the south of the State continues to experience significant hatchings and bandings, adult locusts in the north are expected to start laying eggs within the next few weeks.

Craig Ridley, Lachlan LHPA senior ranger, says teamwork has been the key to minimising the impact of locusts to date, but warns that continued effort is required.

"Reports of swarms to date have been low, with only a handful of low density, scattered swarms reported in the Lachlan LHPA.

"As the locusts mature into adults, it is extremely important that landholders monitor their properties for further swarms and egg laying and report any activity to the LHPA.

"Rangers will follow up reports of swarms to check locusts for fat densities and egg carrying. This will assist us to identify where egg laying may take place and where to expect future hatchings," Mr Ridley said.

To validate the effectiveness of ground controls, substantial aerial surveillance has been undertaken across the LHPA district.

"Over the past seven to ten days we had aerial surveillance operating around Parkes, Manildra, Forbes, Cowra, Young, West Wyalong and Tallimba," said Mr Ridley.

"The surveillance showed that there were virtually no locust bands, which demonstrates the success of our local ground control operations so far.

"To my knowledge there have been no reports of crop damage or reports of significant grain contamination in the Lachlan LHPA."

To report locust activity on your property, contact your local office of the Lachlan LHPA.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378