Low density populations of locusts have been recorded in Victoria during the last two months.
Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said there had been reports from areas along the New South Wales border from Mildura to Wodonga.
“They are mostly winged adults which are thought to have flown in from New South Wales on northerly winds since mid February,” Mr Helper said.
“These adult locusts will remain active throughout March and be most obvious on warm days and they may continue to be found in April before likely declining in May.”
In addition low level, localised populations of locusts which hatched from eggs laid in Victoria in autumn 2009 have been recorded:
- North-West of Swan Hill from Chinkapook to Manangatang;
- Between Ultima and Sea Lake (to the west of Swan Hill);
- West of Dookie in the northern Victoria; and
- Near Swifts Creek in Gippsland.
“To date no agricultural damage has been reported from locusts this season in Victoria, although motorists should be aware of hazards if driving through a swarm,” Mr Helper said.
Victoria’s Plague Locust Commissioner Gordon Berg said while the populations were low pasture production was not likely to be significantly affected.
“However there is a risk of damage to agriculture during autumn if locust populations persist or we get more flights coming in from interstate,” Mr Berg said.
“If they continue into May there is a risk of damage to early sown cereal crops particularly in the north west of the state.”
To minimise the risk of migration from heavy locust populations in north-western New South Wales the Australian Plague Locust Commission has been conducting aerial control operations since mid March.
This program is likely to continue for several weeks.
Land owners should continue to monitor their properties for locusts particularly looking for signs of egg-laying.
Finding, marking, and reporting egg beds is important so that they can be monitored and controls applied when they hatch.
Motorists should be alert to the possibility of driving through locust swarms which may represent a hazard in affected areas.
Reports of locust activity should be made to the DPI Victoria locust hotline on 1300 13 5559.