LOCUST sightings continue to increase in north-west Victoria, but hatchings are at an early stage.
In its latest daily update today, the Department of Primary Industries said that since July 1, it had received 633 reports of locust activity, of which 457 reports were in the Mallee.
DPI said field crews were once again deployed from the Mildura Incident Control Centre today to inspect and take samples of hoppers from public land in north-west Victoria.
Testing of samples showed the hatchings at this stage are in initial stages of development, DPI said.
Field offices are operating in Swan Hill and Ouyen and continue to take hopper samples, and help monitor and confirm hatchings in those areas in order to ensure a coordinated spraying response.
Regional Incident Control Centres also commenced today in Horsham and Tatura.
Ground spraying of locust hoppers on public land would be undertaken about two weeks after hatching, as that was the most effective time to spray, DPI said.
"Before that time there may still be eggs that are yet to hatch. Also the hoppers are more likely to form into bands at this stage and are therefore easier to target."
SMS messages advising landholders to monitor and report hatchings in the Mildura-Ouyen region have been sent to people who have registered in that area.
To receive these updates, landholders should subscribe on the DPI website: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts
Reports of hatchings are vital for DPI to be able to plan activities, investigate suspected hatchings and coordinate priority areas for spraying.
It was now even more important for farmers and other landholders to monitor their properties, report hatchings or other activity to DPI and be prepared to spray.
All landholders – including those responsible for public land such as councils and state government agencies – were responsible for treating locusts on their land, DPI said.
For more information or to report locust activity, people should call the DPI Locust Hotline 1300 135 559 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/locusts
