LOCUSTS
Victoria is facing what could potentially be the biggest locust plague for 75 years.
During April this year adult locust population levels increased in northern Victoria, with migrations from New South Wales and within Victoria. Dense swarms and egg-laying activity occurred in the Swan Hill, Mallee and Wimmera districts of the Northwest, along the Murray River and in areas around Bendigo and Shepparton. Swarms were also reported as far south as Horsham.
The Australian Plague Locust Commission forecasts that spring hatchings will commence at the end of September in northwest Victoria, through to mid-October in areas south of Echuca and late October in the Horsham area
Australian Plague Locusts - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Who is responsible for treating locusts?
All landholders have a legal responsibility to treat locusts on their land.
Private landholders are responsible for treating locusts on their own property.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in collaboration with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria will treat locusts on public land. This will reduce the number of locusts on public land and minimise the impact on private landholders. DPI has purchased enough insecticides to treat 600,000 hectares of public land at a cost of $4.2 million.
Councils are responsible for managing locusts on council managed land which could include road side reserves and rights of way for which they are responsible. VicRoads would also take responsibility for their roadsides (generally the major roads and highways). Other areas of land could also include recreation reserves and sporting facilities for which they are responsible (depending on local management arrangements within a community).
The Australian Plague Locust Commission may treat locusts in Victoria if they pose a threat to neighbouring states (and vice versa).
DPI will work with all public and private landholders, and if required, the Commission, to ensure a coordinated approach to locust treatment across Victoria.
What should I do if I find locusts on my property?
All landholders are required to report egg beds and locust activity to DPI and are responsible for treating locusts on their property.
Landholders should:
Report locust activity and known locations of egg beds – this will allow DPI to monitor life cycles and provide you with the information about the correct time to start targeting hoppers. Report locusts to the DPI Locust Hotline on 1300 135 559 or on the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts
Treat locusts when they are in the ‘hopper’ stage – seek advice from chemical suppliers and agronomists on the most appropriate chemicals for your situation. You should also seek advice on placing orders for your preferred chemicals.
Use chemicals safely and responsibly – make sure to read and adhere to all the instructions and seek advice from chemical resellers and agronomists about appropriate treatments for locusts where necessary.
For more information visit the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts or call the DPI Locust Hotline 1300 135 559.
Are landholders legally required to treat locusts on their property?
Yes. The Australian Plague Locust has been declared an exotic pest under the Plant Health and Plant Products Act 1995. Under the declaration, all landholders or land managers are legally obliged to report the presence of locusts on their property to the DPI Locust Hotline on 1300 135 559.
Additionally, all landholders or land managers must treat locust hoppers on their land when numbers exceed 80 locust hoppers per square metre over an area of one hectare. This must be completed before locusts grow wings and are able to fly.
Failure to notify or treat locusts is a breach of the legislation.
How can I treat locusts on my property?
The use of insecticides is the most effective method of controlling locusts. There are a number of products eligible for rebate under the Victorian Government's Locust Insecticide Rebate Scheme. Farmers should seek expert advice from their chemical reseller or agronomist as to which chemical best suits their situation.
Estimated hatching dates for each region are available from the APLC website or through the DPI website. These dates will be updated regularly.
For further information on using insecticides including when to spray locusts, refer to the Insecticides and Spraying Frequently Asked Questions.
Can I treat eggs before they hatch?
Treating locusts through cultivation of egg beds is generally ineffective. Landholders should concentrate their efforts on more regular monitoring and applying chemicals while hoppers are in a concentrated band after hatching.
What is the best time to treat locusts?
The best time to treat locusts with insecticides is when locusts are in the ‘hopper’ stage and before the adults can fly, with the period about two weeks after hatching the most effective and cost efficient.
When locusts first hatch and emerge from the ground, they are often scattered. Treating locusts at this stage may be inefficient as some locusts may not have yet hatched.
As these locusts develop, they form high-density groups or bands and this is the best time for treatment. Refer to the lifecycle diagram for more precise information on the timing of treatments
(Source: http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/plague-locusts/faq/reporting-and-treating-locusts-in-victoria)
Useful links:
For more information, phone DPI Locust Hotline on 1300 135 559.