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.
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Both the locust populations are already at adult stage, making it impossible to control their spread with chemical intervention.
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 region if locusts are not detected early.
Mr Tarrant said it wasn’t unusual for there to be locust activity in this area.
“There is always some locust activity however population explosions can occur if seasonal conditions in the western districts are favourable for the life cycle of the locusts, as we have seen in recent months,” he said.
“Most infestations on the Northern Tablelands occur from swarms coming in from the west, although we do experience some hatchings locally.”
He said the region last suffered from a plague of locusts about 10 years ago.
“Every few years we experience smaller local occurrences,” he said.
He said the Walcha district was also at risk, if seasonal conditions are suitable.
“The pending cooler conditions should restrict a continual population explosion,” he said.
“Remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious sightings is the important message.”
And that’s the message for everyone in the district – catching the problem early.
“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,” Mr Tarrant said.
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.
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, contact your nearest Northern Tablelands Local Land Services office at Armidale on 6770 2000.
