Locust update (23 March 2015) - Central West NSW
Channel: Central West Local Land Services
Date: 2015-03-23

Locust activity with swarms has become widespread across most of central west NSW following unseasonable hot days. Central West Local Land Services is working with landholders to manage locust activity and plan for any future hatchings.

Over 325 landholders have alerted Central West Local Land Services to locust activity this year, with recent reporting including crop losses, mating and egg bed laying.

Local Land Services is currently advising central west landholders to:
• monitor for laying (particularly hard bare areas) and inspect for eggs
• report any locust activity, particularly locusts carrying eggs and laying activity
• mark any known beds and talk to Local Land Services staff on monitoring and management.

Landholders can report any locust activity through contacting their Local Land Services office, calling 1300 795 299 or visiting www.lls.nsw.gov.au/centralwest

Egg bed inspections by Local Land Services staff have shown mixed results across the region, according to Senior Biosecurity Office Rhett Robinson.

“The biggest influences on egg viability are soil moisture and temperature,” said Mr Robinson.

“Egg bed surveys around Warren for example showed desiccated eggs due to local dry and hot conditions. 

“On the other hand, I inspected egg beds around Dunedoo last week which were very healthy due to more moisture in the soil. 

People around this area need to keep an eye out for hatching and work with us to manage locally.

“There also is a naturally occurring wasp which has been preying on locust eggs, but this is unlikely to have a significant impact.”
Local Land Services staff are expecting more hatching to occur soon, if not already.

“Layings in the first half of March will be emerging soon where viable,” said Mr Robinson.

“We strongly encourage people to monitor their land, report any activity and work with us to manage locally.”

Central West Local Land Services will continue to work with the community to manage locusts.