Plague locusts spotted in south-west Queensland

The Queensland Government is urging landholders to be on the lookout for bands of Australian plague locusts following storm rains in parts of south-west Queensland.

Recent storm rains have created ideal breeding conditions for locusts from Taroom to Augathella. Hoppers have been reported in several areas, indicating their development is nearing fledging stage.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said low density swarms and concentrations of adults were detected by an Australian Plague Locust Commission survey on November 10.

“Many of these adult locusts had well developed eggs and egg-laying is expected to start shortly with hatching likely by the end of November,” Mr Wallace said.

“Conditions are likely to be suitable for high hopper survival during December as a result of pasture growth following the rain,” he said.

Locusts can migrate up to 600 kilometres in a single night if temperature, wind speed and wind direction are right.

“Green feed equates to body fat for locusts, which in turn gives them fuel for flight. These conditions could see locust threats emerge quite quickly,” Mr Wallace said.

Points for landholders to remember when dealing with locusts:

• Report sightings to your local government office or the Department of Natural Resources and Water,
• Keep an eye on grassy areas, creeks and fallow paddocks for small, flightless hoppers, which soon develop a black stripe down the middle of their back,
• Act early, as locusts are easiest to kill when in the hopper stage,
• If allowed to fledge , locusts can cause serious crop damage and,
• Monitor crops and pasture closely as they develop this season for locusts and spray as required.

Landholders are urged to report sightings of locust bands or swarms to their local government, NRW land protection officer or telephone the Australian Plague Locust Commission on 1800 635 962.

Media contact:

Paul Childs 0407 131 654 or paul.childs@ministerial.qld.gov.au