Locusts swarm despite earlier control

24 April 2009
DAFF09/001D

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is warning that significant swarms of adult locusts are forming in the Coonamble area.

Despite the significant control of locust nymphs by the APLC in early April, locust swarms are widespread in the Coonamble area and will increase over the coming week.

APLC Director, Chris Adriaansen said the APLC will not be taking measures to control the swarming locusts as the infestation is considered to only represent an intra-state threat.

“Due to the amount of suitable habitat in the area we do not expect the swarms to migrate any distance before they mate and lay eggs. As such, control measures will not be taken by the APLC to control these swarms,” Mr Adriaansen said.

“Landholders should contact Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries to coordinate possible control.”

The APLC deals only with the highest density infestations and has a responsibility to control locusts where they pose a significant threat of damage in more than one member state.

To qualify under this mandate, the population and the vegetation conditions would need to be such that the locusts are likely to leave the currently infested area and complete long distance migration to set up a new generation in another threat area.

“The nymphal band control undertaken in the Coonamble area in early April was prior to general rainfall across the area, so there was a much higher risk that the population would mature and migrate a significant distance in search of good vegetation,” Mr Adriaansen said.

“The rainfall across the region changed the situation since our band control, so the need for APLC response has also changed.”

Information for landholders and further information about locusts and control activities is available on the APLC website www.daff.gov.au/aplc

For further information:

Mr Chris Adriaansen
Director, Australian Plague Locust Commission