Locust control and treatment
If undertaking chemical control of locusts, landholders must ensure all activities are carried out safely, responsibly and in accordance with relevant legal requirements.
When to treat locusts
Treating locusts at the right stage of their life cycle can significantly improve control effectiveness and reduce treatment costs.
The most effective time to control locusts is generally when they are in the hopper stage (wingless juvenile locusts). At this stage, locusts are concentrated in smaller areas, cannot fly, and are easier to target with ground-based control measures. For more information, see Life cycle of a locust.
Once locusts become fully winged adults, they can travel significant distances and are often more difficult and costly to control effectively.
When planning treatment, landholders should:
- monitor locust populations regularly and identify their life stage
- treat infestations as early as practical, particularly during the hopper stage
- consider current and forecast weather conditions before spraying
- select a product that is suitable for the locust life stage and treatment area
- seek advice from an agronomist, chemical adviser or PIRSA if unsure about the most appropriate timing or treatment option.
Early detection and timely control can help reduce locust numbers before they develop into larger, more mobile populations capable of causing widespread damage.
Seek professional advice
Before undertaking locust control, landholders are encouraged to seek advice from:
- agronomists
- chemical resellers
- PIRSA
- other appropriately qualified advisers.
Professional advice can help ensure the most effective and appropriate treatment option is selected for the situation.
Use approved products
Only use insecticides that are registered or permitted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for locust control in your specific situation – see Public chemical registration information system search.
The most appropriate product will depend on factors including:
- locust life stage
- land use and target area
- nearby crops and livestock
- sensitive environmental areas
- apiaries (bee hives)
- applicable withholding periods.
Follow legal requirements
Landholders are responsible for ensuring chemical control activities comply with product label directions, APVMA permit conditions and relevant state and national legislation – see Rural chemicals for guidance.
Always read and follow all label instructions before applying any chemical.
Minimise spray drift and off-target impacts
Before spraying, carefully assess current and forecast weather conditions to reduce the risk of spray drift and unintended impacts on neighbouring properties, crops, livestock and the environment.
Landholders should also identify and consider nearby sensitive sites, including:
- residential areas
- waterways and wetlands
- bee hives and apiaries
- organic production systems
- other sensitive agricultural or environmental assets.
Communicate with neighbours
Landholders are strongly encouraged to notify neighbouring properties before spraying, particularly where there are:
- diverse land uses
- sensitive crops
- livestock operations
- bee hives or apiaries nearby.
This is especially important in regions such as the Riverland, where properties are often located close together and a wide variety of crops are grown. Spray decisions may affect neighbouring farming operations, including harvest timings, withholding periods and market access requirements.
Keep accurate records
Maintain accurate records of all chemical use and spraying activities, including product details, application rates, locations, dates and weather conditions at the time of application.