Welfare and counselling
What welfare and counselling services are available to the community?
A Rural Financial Counselling Officer can be contacted at the Rural Financial Counselling Service of Western Australia (RFCSWA) on the freecall number 1800 612 004 or the RFCSWA website.
Health concerns
What are the health effects from spraying for locusts?
There are a number of insecticides registered for the control of locusts. All these insecticides are registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The APVMA is the national independent statutory authority with responsibility for the regulation of pesticides and agricultural and veterinary medicines up to the point of retail sale. APVMA has responsibility for determining, through a detailed assessment process, that a chemical is safe to users, consumers, the environment and trade, before it is registered for use in Australia. Therefore by following the registered label directions, these insecticides can be used safely. If you do have any specific health concerns about locust spraying contact your doctor or the Health Department. Further information can be found on the APVMA’s website.
Urban concerns
Is it safe to drive through areas when locusts are swarming?
Yes. However, caution should be exercised, when locusts are flying, windscreens can become fouled very quickly reducing driver vision. If you intend regularly driving in areas where locusts are flying, you should have mesh placed over your car radiator to stop damage and the engine over-heating. Motorists are advised to wash their windscreen regularly with warm soapy water.
Further information
Where do I find more information?
For further information, search the department's website, or contact the Pest and Disease Information Service.
Important contacts
- Your doctor
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development local offices throughout the state
- Pest and Disease Information Service
- Department of Health, Biological and Applied Environmental Health Hazards phone +61 (0)8 9222 2000
- Poisons Information Centre: phone 131 126
- Rural Financial and Family Counselling (Rural Business Development Corporation)
- Safemeat: for information on Export Slaughter Intervals and Export Grazing Intervals and Export Animal Feed Intervals