In its January bulletin, the APLC said while there was or formal surveying in the Riverina during December, locust activity was reported in the Deniliquin and Henty areas.
“One unconfirmed report of a locust band was received from the Henty area, and several reports of adult swarming and egg-laying activities were verified in the Deniliquin area by Local Land Services in December,” the bulletin reported.
“The University of New South Wales insect monitoring radar in Hay was not in operation during December due to hardware failure.
“Localised breeding may produce some medium to high density nymphs with small bands possible.
“There is a low to moderate probability of migration/dispersal events between now and early autumn.”
On a broader scale, the APLC’s outlook for January to March is for a moderate population increase to medium density levels in the arid and semi-arid interior areas, with some localised areas of higher density possible from current low background populations.
There’s also a persistent medium to high-density populations in southern parts of inland eastern Australia.
Further medium density populations are possible after any successful breeding in the northern and north-eastern parts of inland areas.
“Adults will continue to form swarms associated with congregation and redistribution in areas experiencing hot weather,” the bulletin said.
“These are most likely to occur in the southern portion of inland areas.
“Daylight dispersal and night migration can be facilitated by suitable weather at the appropriate stage of locust development, possibly trending more towards the interior.
“Hatching should commence in early 2023 with some summer generation bands likely to develop in southern parts, possibly continuing into February.
“Summer generation adults should start fledging from early February onwards in southern parts, with overlapping generations likely to appear in the interior.”
It is important that any locust activity be reported as soon as possible to your local biosecurity authority, primary industries department or to the APLC.
The APLC hotline is toll-free by calling 1800 635 962. An answering machine will record after hours calls.
Reports can also be emailed to APLC via aplc@agriculture.gov.au or made online at www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/locusts/landholders/reporting_locusts.
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