Report locust activity now to lessen spring damage, say LHPAs

With winter crops emerging Livestock Health and Pest Authorities have urged landholders to report locust activity to their local LHPA office.

Locusts are starting to lay and hatch in some parts of the Central West, with swarms identified in the Coonamble, Nyngan and Trangie areas.

LHPA Pest Animal and Insect Manager Tim Seears said people need to remain vigilant and report any sightings of locusts to their local authority.

‘We are aware there have been hatchings as a result of the rain over Easter and landholders need to be looking for nymphs/bands, egg beds or signs of laying and breeding,’ Mr Seears said.

“Reporting is crucial to ensure that ground control is undertaken at the most optimal time. There is only a very limited window to treat locusts effectively when they are banding about two to three weeks after hatching but before they take flight.

Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are continuing to work closely with the Department of Primary Industries, Australian Plague Locust Commission and the NSW Farmers Association to minimise the impact of locusts across the state.

 ‘It is important to remind landholders that each case will be dealt with individually. Our field staff will inspect properties to determine levels of activity and there are stringent area and density criteria that has to be met before we can provide assistance with chemical or other control,’ Mr Seears said.

‘It is also important that landholders report activity and carry out as much control as possible to reduce the impact of locusts in the spring,’ Mr Seears said.

Report all locust activity including egg beds, hatchings, banding and swarming to your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit our website www.lhpa.org.au

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham or Helen Gosper (02) 6391 3242