Locusts hatching, time to spray

Landholders need to be on the lookout for any signs of locusts, as plague locust nymphal bands are developing north-west of Jerilderie and Mathoura.

Plague locusts began hatching about two to three weeks ago following good spring rains across the region. Currently, the locusts are mostly in the mid instar range of between 2^nd and 4^th instar, allowing some landholders in the Murray region ground spraying where possible. The most effective time to control plague locusts using ground spraying is when bands are tight, and the locusts are in the mid-instar age. As the insects get older, they will disperse.

If you see any locust activity on your property, or you noticed adult locusts last autumn, be vigilant for small patches of locust bands that may be in your pastures or crops. The best time to look for locust bands is while the weather is warm, as this is when they are most active.

Early detection of locust activity is important for successful control. Unfortunately, once the hoppers get older they will disperse and eventually fledge to become adults. This will start occurring in about two weeks. Delaying your report could mean the locusts will develop through their instar stages, lay eggs and build in numbers rapidly, resulting in damage to crops and pastures.

Murray Local Land Services can provide advice and chemical where required to support ground-spraying activities for plague locust bands. Contact our Invasive Species team on 03 5881 9900 (Deniliquin), 03 5886 2100 (Jerilderie) or (02) 6051 2200 (Albury).