Locust outbreaks hit South Australia pastoral land as PIRSA sprays 115,000 hectares
Summary
- Locust outbreaks have hit parts of South Australia, with producers reporting higher numbers than in previous years.
- PIRSA began surveying outbreaks in early September and has aerially sprayed 115,000 hectares around the Flinders and Mid North.
- Landholders fear the window for effective control has passed, as locusts on some properties are now adults flying and laying eggs.
- PIRSA told landholders spraying required 80 to 500 locusts per square metre per 100 hectares, thresholds some properties did not meet.
- Earlier in November the state government sprayed parts of the Mallee despite previously saying the region was unsuitable for spraying.
Reactions
- Peterborough producer Bridget Woods says the outbreak should have been tackled at least four weeks earlier.
- Flinders Ranges pastoralist Peter Zadow says the Plague Locust Chemical Rebate does not help producers without machinery and misters.
- Locust commissioner Michael McManus recommends producers control locusts in the morning or evening, when the pests settle.
- PIRSA says it will continue monitoring locust numbers across South Australia and spray where possible.
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Locusts wreaking havoc across South Australia's pastoral land
abc.net.au· 39h
ABC Rural reports that locust outbreaks have hit parts of South Australia, with PIRSA aerially spraying 115,000 hectares around the Flinders and Mid North after surveying since early September. Producers including Peterborough's Bridget Woods and Flinders Ranges pastoralist Peter Zadow say locust numbers are worse than in previous years and that the window for effective control has passed, while locust commissioner Michael McManus says spraying targets must be large and recommends controlling locusts in the morning or evening.
