Growers Urged To Help Strengthen Mouse Bait Application

Grain growers across Western Australia and South Australia are being urged to provide detailed evidence of mouse activity, as part of an emergency permit application for stronger bait.

Industry groups are seeking access to ZP50 zinc phosphide bait, saying current ZP25 products are not delivering consistent control in paddocks.

They warn mouse numbers are building at a critical time during seeding and early crop development.

Growers are being asked to submit on-ground data, including paddock conditions, food availability, and how existing baiting programs are performing.

Industry leaders say the strength of the application to the national regulator will depend on the quality of this information.

There are growing concerns unchecked mouse populations could impact crop establishment, plant density and yields later in the season.

Producers are being encouraged to submit their observations promptly to support the case for approval.