Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) staff recently visited more than 140 properties and took a number of further reports from those affected by Australian Plague Locusts.

The LLS has been mapping the reports, as well as tracking the movements of the initial locust infestation across the district.

Biosecurity team leader Luke Booth said the vast majority of inspections had shown the locusts to be in low densities, at a late stage of development making control impractical. 

“When locusts are in the fourth to fifth instar stage it is unfortunately not practical to spray the locusts,” he explained.

“It’s the second and third stages that control by spraying are the most effective and efficient, especially when the locusts are banding.

“Our staff has been visiting properties from Moonan Flat to the Bylong Valley, confirming Australian Plague Locust populations, growth stages and mapping their movements.

“We understand in the ongoing drought how unfortunate it is for producers having the added from locusts, which is why we want to be aware of and control early any further hatchings.”

Should the current swarms of locusts that are on the wing find the good feed required to gain body fat and reproduce, the laying of their eggs will only occur on hard, bare earth.

“If you see the locusts fly in onto dry paddocks or rocky hills, this means they may be there to lay,” Mr Booth said.

“And, we need these sightings reported as soon as possible, so we can monitor these areas for further hatchings.

“When we have identified the potential areas locusts may have laid constant monitoring will allow us to catch the hatchlings in the early stages making chemical control possible.

“Winter temperatures will eventually knock the locusts off, but we want to keep the population well monitored and controlled until then.”

Hunter LLLS staff is ready to assist landholders to control the locusts should hatchings progress into to the banding phase.

The last Australian Plague Locust outbreak in this region was more than 10 years ago, and while there are many grasshopper species endemic to our region, it is very unusual for plague locusts to occur here.

Adults of the Australian Plague Locust can be readily distinguished from other species by the large dark spot on the tip of the hindwings and distinctive scarlet hindleg shanks. 

Adult body colour is variable and can be grey, brown or green. 

They also measure 25-30mm long while females are 30-42mm long. 

Anyone wishing to report further locust sightings, especially banding locusts on bare earth are being asked to phone 1300 795 299.