Australian Plague Locusts

LocustPlague development

Most locust plagues in South Australia originate in the Channel country of south west Queensland and adjacent areas of South Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.  Large locust populations may develop following rainfall in this area. The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) undertakes surveillance, threat assessment, forecasting and control measures when locust populations in outback areas have the potential to cross into another State. Given suitable conditions the Autumn swarms may migrate 200 to 500 km into the State's pastoral and adjacent agricultural areas.  On arrival they lay eggs which may result in spring outbreaks within the State.Map indicating where locusts are being monitored.

The State has had major plagues in 1844, 1871, 1934, 1947, 1955, 1976, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1997 and 2000. Minor plagues have occurred in 1950, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977 and 1984.  More information is available in a fact sheet. 

Control measures

Landowners are encouraged to undertake their own control measures.  The cultivation of egg beds particularly in the agricultural areas will destroy the eggs, while the control of hoppers and adults can be achieved by using various insecticide formulations.  Advice on these can be obtained from local chemical resellers.

Local Government may also undertake spraying operations eg. roadsides, within their own area.

Where large scale problems are expected, PIRSA may undertake control in the pastoral and adjacent agricultural areas.

Effective suppression of locusts can only be achieved by landowner, local government and PIRSA combined cooperation together with ongoing APLC activities.

For current information on locusts visit our Locust Response site