As early as February this year, entomologist Andy Austin warned about locusts ”taking over” some parts of the country. He pinpointed New South Wales’ central west, especially Coonamble, Goorianawa, Ivanhoe, Quambone, Tottenham, and Warren.
It’s a relief that, as of this month, there is a low infestation forecast for NSW. However, millions of locusts descended on western Queensland in May this year. This event destroyed pastureland, a massive foundation of livestock farming. The situation there may be intensifying. The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is continuing to monitor locust populations all over the country.
If you’re a landowner or live in vulnerable areas, it’s best to know what’s going on and what to expect.
All About Locusts
The locusts in Australia that are particularly troublesome are the Australian Plague locusts (scientific name: chortoicetes terminifera). These have significant populations in the country and are known to infest large areas.
These locusts tend to thrive when conditions are favorable for their population growth and reproduction. A key factor is the availability of ample food and water.
Specifically, locusts thrive when good rain brings a flush of fresh green grass to inland Australia. This abundance of food is crucial for their development and for supporting large populations.
Every few years, when the food and water supplies are particularly abundant, conditions are ideal for locusts to multiply significantly, potentially leading to plague events.
Research also suggests that temperature can play a role in their behavior, with some studies indicating that locusts may choose where to invade based on how hot it is.
As we mentioned earlier, large swarms have been reported causing concern among graziers in western Queensland, where they have been observed destroying pasture. Millions of locusts have also been predicted to emerge across parts of New South Wales.
Locust Outbreaks in Australia
Historically, locust outbreaks are not new. We've seen them since the 1870s, particularly in the vast inland agricultural areas of New South Wales. These are not mere insects; they are a force of nature, a cyclical challenge that tests the resilience of our farmers and our economy.
Locusts in Australia primarily attack and consume green plant material, with a strong preference for pastures, cereal crops (like wheat and barley), forage crops, and other field crops. They can also damage horticultural crops, vegetables, grapevines, and trees. In addition to agricultural targets, large swarms can impact home gardens, parks, and sporting fields.
What locusts attack:
Pastures and grasslands: Locusts can devastate pastures, including perennial and newly sown varieties like lucerne.
Cereal crops: Wheat, barley, oats, and maize are susceptible to damage, which can be significant.
Forage crops: These are also a target for locusts.
Horticultural and vegetable crops: Various fruit and vegetable crops can be attacked.
Trees and grapevines: Different tree species and grapevines are vulnerable.
Native and introduced vegetation: Some species of trees, including native ones like eucalypts and introduced species like pines, can be attacked.
Home gardens and public areas: During outbreaks, gardens, sporting fields, and parks can be affected, causing damage to greenery.
The Economic Impact
The impact on the Australian market can be profound. Locusts are not just a threat to individual farms. These are potential threats to our national food security and market stability.
International concern has been raised about plagues causing billions of dollars in damage to our agricultural industry. A single upsurge, if it affects staple food crops, can lead to market instability and price volatility, rippling through the economy.
What Can Be Done
The APLC plays a critical role in monitoring and controlling these outbreaks. Their efforts use control agents like fipronil and growth regulators, which are our frontline defense. They are also now investigating the use of AI to help scientists forecast future plagues.
Fighting locust outbreaks requires cooperation among stakeholders.
It is important to report locust activity. Get in touch with your local state biosecurity authority or the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC).
As a landowner, you can also take early control measures, particularly during a locust’s nymph stage, while they still don’t have wings. Get in touch with Safe Spray to learn more about what needs to be done. Call 1300 562 053.
