Total confirmed hatchings are now at 1,675. Activity continues to increase across most affected areas.
Heavy rain and cooler weather has hampered control and surveillance activities, particularly in the North West and South West of the State. Despite the poor weather conditions, limited aerial spraying was undertaken around Nyngan, Walgett and Carinda yesterday and over the weekend. Aerial surveillance is also taking place today in and around Bourke and Brewarrina.
To date, some 70,000 hectares has been treated from the air and more than 7.2 million hectares of potential hatching areas have been surveyed from the air.
Big wet does little to slow locusts
While flooding and heavy rain has hampered control efforts, it will have little impact on the locust population and impending outbreak, according to NSW Deputy Locust Commissioner, Simon Oliver.
“Previous campaigns show us that floods and heavy rain does little to affect locust numbers, and only delays their development until conditions improve,” Mr Oliver said.
“For the flood-affected areas of South West NSW, where hatchings are yet to peak, locust egg beds will be largely unaffected.
“Locust egg beds can withstand extreme weather conditions and will remain dormant until suitable conditions return for hatching and development.
“Despite the rain, landholders are being reminded to remain vigilant and continue checking pastures and crops for locust activity,” Mr Oliver said.
Heavy rain and cooler weather has hampered control and surveillance activities, particularly in the North West and South West of the State. Despite the poor weather conditions, limited aerial spraying was undertaken around Nyngan, Walgett and Carinda yesterday and over the weekend. Aerial surveillance is also taking place today in and around Bourke and Brewarrina.
To date, some 70,000 hectares has been treated from the air and more than 7.2 million hectares of potential hatching areas have been surveyed from the air.
Big wet does little to slow locusts
While flooding and heavy rain has hampered control efforts, it will have little impact on the locust population and impending outbreak, according to NSW Deputy Locust Commissioner, Simon Oliver.
“Previous campaigns show us that floods and heavy rain does little to affect locust numbers, and only delays their development until conditions improve,” Mr Oliver said.
“For the flood-affected areas of South West NSW, where hatchings are yet to peak, locust egg beds will be largely unaffected.
“Locust egg beds can withstand extreme weather conditions and will remain dormant until suitable conditions return for hatching and development.
“Despite the rain, landholders are being reminded to remain vigilant and continue checking pastures and crops for locust activity,” Mr Oliver said.
