Monitoring
What plants are attacked by locusts?
Locusts can damage most green plants. At the hopper stage locusts can severely damage pastures. Autumn populations can do a great deal of damage to emerging crops. The spring/summer population threatens a wide range of plants as pastures dry-off. When locusts reach the adult stage and can fly, cereal and pulse crops are at risk. However, in WA, most crops have almost completely dried off when locusts begin flying. Damage may occur to the grain if it contains the slightest amount of moisture or locusts may bite off grain heads if there is the slightest amount of moisture in the stems. Locusts have also been known to feed on lawns, ornamentals, fruit trees (stone, pome and citrus), vegetables, grape vines and tree seedlings.
When do locusts become a problem?
Locusts generally begin hatching in late August and early September and will be flying by November. Both the hopper stage and the flying adult locusts feed on green plant material. Hayed-off crops are at low risk.
Will the department being doing any surveillance and monitoring of the situation?
The department will undertake targeted surveillance to assist landholders with making decisions about control on their own properties. The department will work closely with all stakeholders to provide relevant, timely and accurate information as the season progresses.
What can be affected in my town or around gardens?
Hoppers can move up to 400m in a day and flying locusts can disperse over large distances. They often will enter town sites. Gardens, sporting facilities, bowling greens, amenity areas and their associated trees and shrubs can be damaged. Roadhouses, homes and other buildings can be completely covered with locusts. Car radiators can become clogged.
What are the social costs of a locust plague?
Some rural communities will be impacted by locusts. Locusts can cause damage to pastures, crops and horticultural produce, as well as home gardens, parks and sporting grounds. Sporting and social events can be disrupted and locusts can cover buildings.