Wild Dog & Pest Control

Victoria goes on plague locust alert in the west and north-west

Sheep Central, November 23, 2020

An Adult Australian Plague Locust. Image – Michael Moerkerk

VICTORIA is on locust alert after a number of sightings of the pest were reported in the west and north-west of the state this month.

Agriculture Victoria is urging Victorians to look for and report any Australian plague locust sightings and said it would undertake targeted surveillance to assist landholders with locust control decisions, and work with stakeholders to provide relevant and timely information.

The Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) can be identified by the large dark spot on the tip of the hindwing and the distinctive red shanks on the hind legs. Their body colour varies and can be grey, brown or green. Adult males are 25-30 mm long while females are 30-45 mm long.

Victorian Plague Locust Commissioner, Dr Kyla Finlay, from Agriculture Victoria, said spring’s heavy rainfall had provided plentiful green feed which have been ideal conditions for the locusts to breed, leading to these higher than average sightings.

“It’s important to understand where the populations are and what stage of development they are at so government, industry and community can work together to effectively treat and curtail the populations.

“Locusts can feed on fresh, green plants and, when present in large numbers, causing damage to pastures, horticultural crops, gardens, parks and sporting grounds,” Dr Finlay said.

Australian plague locusts are a native Australian insect but can reach high populations levels under ideal conditions and can pose a serious threat to pastures, crops and horticulture in those numbers.

“There is no locust plague or predicted plague in Victoria,” she said.

Dr Finlay said now was a good time to spray young hoppers, about eight to 12 mm long, as it will limit the population growing further.

“If you’ve got locusts on your property, be proactive in carrying out control as that will help reduce the populations for next year.

“It becomes more difficult to manage populations as they become adults.”

Various insecticide products are registered for the use controlling locusts. Landholder should seek expert advice from a chemical reseller or agronomist as to which insecticide best suits their situation. All chemicals must be used in accordance with Victorian legislation.

“Safe and responsible use of chemicals is crucial – identify the most appropriate chemical for your situation, read the label on the product you are going to use and comply with the directions on the label,” Dr Finlay said.

For more information and to report sightings of Australian plague locusts, call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 to assist with surveillance, or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/locusts.

Source: Agriculture Victoria.

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