DAFWA has declared a Level 2 incident for Australian Plague Locusts this year, based on surveillance conducted during Autumn 2016.

When we have big rains like we did in February this year, the breeding cycle of locusts is multiplied. They like bare ground for their laying eggs, such as in fire breaks, and the instars need to be able to hop to green feed to make it to maturity. If the locusts hatch in crops this year, they could be shaded out, but in some cases whole paddocks will need to be treated.

It is a land owner responsibility to manage the Australian Plague Locusts. We all need to help spot the little blighters in mid-September, when they hatch but can’t yet fly, and take them out! Once they can fly we have reduced ability to control them.

You can report pests such as Australian Plague Locusts via DAWFA's Plus MyPestGuide Reporter app, they have experts on hand to help with queries regarding what can be done if you find them on your land. There are currently four different chemicals registered for control – they are all contact poisons as baits don’t work well for this species. Contact DAFWA for more details on 1800 084 881.