There has been a small rise in the frequency and number of reports to the Locust Hotline in the last few days as the latest generation of locust hoppers start banding and marching.

Reports in recent days have identified bands of locust nymphs to be confined to a localised area of the Mid North, from approximately Georgetown/Narridy to Koolunga/Yacka to Spalding/Washpool.

A survey through the region by the Australia Plague Locust Commission (APLC) last week confirmed that the locust nymphal population appears to be largely confined to this area. The APLC also reported that most hoppers are in the fourth to fifth instar stage of development and can be expected to start fledging from this week.

Some small localised swarms may develop but this new generation of adults is unlikely to persist long enough to pose a risk to crops during sowing. With conditions becoming increasingly dry, these adults may disperse across districts looking for green feed and could pose a nuisance in paddocks, roadsides or even around some home gardens.

While this new generation is much smaller than populations present at the same time last year, there remains a risk of further localised and small-scale egg-laying by adults if suitable conditions occur. Biosecurity SA is strongly encouraging producers to report any observations of egg laying activity by adult locusts in coming weeks to the Locust Hotline on 1800 833 451, so accurate advice can be presented on the risks ahead of sowing.

Producers also are recommended to undertake spot control on larger patches of locust hoppers where they can, or include an insecticide with summer weed control tank mixes where larger patches are present throughout paddocks. This will help reduce populations and the chance of further populations developing during sowing of crops.

Biosecurity SA thanks producers and the general public for their recent reports which continue to provide valuable intelligence for survey work and advice.