Dealing with insecticides
What insecticides can landholders use?
Landholders can use any registered locust control insecticide or those that have temporary approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (see APVMA link). Landholders must abide by both the label and permit requirements regarding withholding periods.
Alternatives to insecticides
Are there any naturally occurring enemies that may control locusts?
There are a number of naturally occurring enemies of the Australian plague locust including birds, spiders, and parasitic flies and wasps. However, when locust numbers explode, the actions of these enemies will not significantly influence locust numbers.
Are there any non-chemical alternatives to controlling locusts?
A naturally occurring fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, known commercially as Green Guard™, has shown considerable potential in the control of the Australian plague locust. The fungus should be applied to hopper locusts and unlike other pesticides it takes several days to have an effect. In dry hot weather conditions, the fungus is less likely to be as effective.
Is ploughing an effective means for controlling locusts?
Ploughing paddocks may destroy a large number of Australian plague locust eggs but will not have a significant influence on the production of locusts in the area.