LOCUST RISK RISES AHEAD OF SPRING IN NORTH-WEST VICTORIA

IMAGE: PIRSA

Landholders in north-west Victoria are being urged to prepare for a higher risk of Australian plague locust activity this spring.

Agriculture Victoria says there is a moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in the Mallee, with hatching expected from mid-September.

The risk is lower in the Wimmera, where hatching is expected from late September, but favourable seasonal conditions have increased the likelihood of activity across the region.

Recent rainfall, increased egg laying and high locust numbers in neighbouring New South Wales and South Australia are contributing to the heightened risk.

Agriculture Victoria surveys conducted in May found consistent numbers of adult locusts across north-west Victoria, with some areas recording higher than usual activity.

Landholders are being encouraged to inspect paddocks, roadsides and grassed areas for egg beds and prepare management plans, with early reporting important to containing outbreaks before locusts become capable of flying.