Plague locusts
Autumn 2011 plague locust situation
Rural landholders need to be on the lookout for plague locust activity this autumn and report any hatchings or swarms to their local LHPA office.
Information on current situation (Industry & Investment NSW)
Reporting
Landholders are required under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 to report all locust activity, no matter how small, to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority and to carry out appropriate control measures on their property.
What landholders can do
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Report all infestations to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority office.
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Control locust bands on their land by treating them with insecticide.
What should landholders be looking for?
Landholders should check the APLC forecast hatching dates for their area. Each date is the prime hatch date and hatchings may occur a few weeks either side of this. If you have known egg begs on your property you should monitor these around the forecast dates and report any hatchings to your local LHPA.
For plague locusts, ground control when nymphs are banded at the 3rd/4th instar is the most efficient and effective method of control. For this reason early reporting is vital.
How to report locust sightings
Landholders should report any activity such as egg laying, hatching or swarms to their local LHPA immediately. This can be via phone, email or in person.
Obtaining chemical
Your local LHPA can distribute chemical to eligible landholders. It is important to note that chemical is only provided where landholders have confirmed locusts activity on their property. This is to ensure the most effective use of available chemical.
If you have locusts on your land contact your local LHPA so a ranger can help assess your requirements.
Always read the label
People using chemicals should always read the registered label on pesticide containers and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/or the permit (or have them read to you) and strictly follow the directions. They should also obtain a copy of the Safemeat locust, grasshoppers and livestock residues.
More information about types of chemicals and their use
