Agriculture Victoria is urging landholders and land managers to report locust activity to support reducing the risk of damaging infestations this spring.

Adult locusts are active in north-west Victoria following favourable conditions, with numbers above usual levels for this time of year.

Dr Kyla Finlay, Victoria’s Plague Locust Commissioner, said high numbers are also seen in New South Wales and South Australia and have likely contributed to migrations entering Victoria.
”Agriculture Victoria is encouraging all landholders and land managers to report locust activity to us using the report locusts form,

‘Early reporting allows for locust activity to be monitored and supports collaborative action to reduce the risk of widespread crop and pasture damage in spring.”
Adult locusts will lay eggs during May and into June, which will remain dormant over winter and hatch in spring if rainfall conditions are favourable.

Agriculture Victoria leads planning and response to locust outbreaks, but landholders and land managers also play a critical role by monitoring and managing locusts on their land to reduce impacts and damage.
”Preventative management is the most effective approach and relies on regular monitoring,

“Early intervention such as treating hoppers before they can fly is critical. Identifying potential egg laying sites will help plan for targeted management of the hoppers following hatching in spring.”

- Dr Kyla Finlay, Victoria’s Plague Locust
Locust activity such as egg laying and swarming can be reported using the Online Locust Reporting Form or by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.