SIX reports of suspected locust activity in recent weeks have New South Wales Local Land Services staff on alert, and they want your help in keeping track of the pests.
The reports have come from western and central parts of the state, and an LLS spokesperson said reporting the pests helped authorities build an overall map of their movements.
“Every report helps build a clearer picture of locust activity across the state and support s surveillance and management efforts,” said NSW plague locust commissioner Ian Walker.
“Signs of locust activity on your property can include dense black bands of hoppers, vegetation damage and the buzzing or rustling sound of insects.
“Make sure you check for hatching sites, in hard loamy soils near roads, crops and farm structures.
“It is vital we get started on any ground control programs as early as possible to greatly reduce the likelihood of new hatchings which could lead to increased activity and populations this spring.”
It’s actually a legal requirement that landholders report locust sightings to Local Land Services, “within one working day of detection and undertake appropriate control measures.”
Landholders are asked to include key information like location and GPS coordinates of the insects, as well as providing density numbers, photos or video if possible.
A statement from Local Land Services said staff check out reports and that plague locusts were easy to identify.
“Adult Australian plague locusts can be readily distinguished from other species by large dark spots on the tip of the hind wings and distinctive red hind leg shanks,” the statement said.
“Adult body colour is variable and can be grey, brown or green. Adult males measure 25 millimeters while females are 30mm to 42mm long.
“Plague locusts are a damaging, recurrent pest insect, impacting pastures, crops and vegetation, and can cause large economic losses for affected farmers, community members and the agriculture industry.
“It is essential that landholders work together to monitor, report sightings and undertake control works to mitigate the potential damage locusts can have on crops and pastures.”
Reports can be made to Local Land Services biosecurity officers on 1300 795 299 and more information is available at nsw.gov.au/locusts.