Two plague locust infestations have been confirmed on the Northern Tablelands with the insects reported to be feeding on pasture in the Bundarra and Nullamanna districts. Both the locust populations are already at adult stage, making it impossible to control their spread with chemical intervention.
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Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Invasive Species Team Leader, Mark Tarrant has expressed concern about the potential for damage to crops and pastures in the Northern Tablelands region if locusts are not detected early.
“There is a huge risk for widespread damage caused by plague locusts. It’s imperative that any suspected locusts are reported as soon as they are sighted.”
“It only takes six to eight weeks from hatching for the plague locust to reach maturity, so timely reporting is essential in controlling an infestation,” said Mark.
Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is conducting monitoring and surveillance on the Bundarra and Nullamanna sites and providing regular updates to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
One of the infestations is understood to have swarmed in on warm westerly winds sweeping up from the Dubbo region in Central NSW and the second infestation appears to have hatched on site.
Landholders are urged to be vigilant in looking out for signs of locust activity, and reporting sightings as soon as possible so that effective control measures can be considered.
The sighting of a plague locust population is deemed a biosecurity emergency and will be assessed within 24 hours of the initial report.
Chemical sprays are the most effective means of controlling plague locusts, but the chemical must be applied prior to the locusts reaching the fledgling stage in their lifecycle, before the young locusts are able to take flight.
If you suspect plague locusts on your property, or if you notice locust activity as you are travelling through the region, please contact your nearest Northern Tablelands Local Land Services office at Glen Innes - 02 6732 8800, Armidale - 02 6770 2000, Inverell - 02 6720 8100, or Tenterfield - 02 6739 1400.
