The hatchings are much earlier than originally predicted because of warmer-than-normal daytime temperatures in areas where eggs were laid during the autumn.

Livestock Health and Pest Authority Pest animal and insect manager Tim Seears said the milder weather conditions have been ideal to see the pests start emerging much earlier than previous years.

“We have been working with Industry and Investment NSW and the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) to determine when and where the insect pests will start to impact on landholders.

“The information from the APLC indicates there are likely to already have been locusts hatching in

the Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Tibooburra, Wanaaring and Walgett areas, with far more of the pest expected to emerge in the next few weeks.

“We also expect locusts to emerge in the Bourke and Enngonia areas in coming days,” Tim Seears said.

Locusts are expected to hatch around Coonamble, Quambone, Ivanhoe, Menindee, Nyngan and Tullamore in the first two weeks of September, while in areas further south and east locusts should emerge from early October.

“It’s important all landholders report all locust activity including hatchings, no matter how small, as well as banding and swarming to your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority as soon as possible,” Tim Seears said.

“A large number of Livestock Health and Pest Authority staff are preparing for the upcoming control campaign.

“This should enable a co-ordinated approach to the control of the pest to help reduce the amount of damage to pastures and crops in what may well be a seasonally challenging spring.”

Landholders are also reminded that as well as reporting, it is a requirement under the Rural Lands Protection Act to carry out appropriate control measures on their property. They should contact the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority ranger for more information.