The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) has started surveying for locusts in the Central Wheatbelt.
DAFWA invasive species manager Tim Stevens said targeted surveillance was underway in Merredin and surrounding areas ahead of locust activity predicted across eastern and southern parts of the grainbelt during spring.
“Staff will survey pasture paddocks, in liaison with property owners, focusing on potential high density areas first, which have been identified from the autumn survey data,” Mr Stevens said.
“The aim of this surveillance is to confirm the accuracy of predictions and provide information to help landholders to make timely decisions on control.”
Mr Stevens said spraying at the right time would help landholders protect their crops.
“Spraying locusts is more effective when they are at the nymph stage, before they develop wings,’’ Mr Stevens said.
Peak hatchings are expected from mid-September in the central regions.
