Look out for these pests
Thursday 7 May 2026 SARDIPestFacts
Early sowing conditions combined with recent rainfall have triggered activity in some pests over recent weeks and may lead to increased activity in others as the season progresses.
Pests such as common armyworm and bronze field beetles are likely to emerge and should be monitored in the coming weeks.
Pest | Status | Current situation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Australian plague locust | High | Increased activity of Australian plague locust reported across South Australia. While widespread crop impact is not yet evident, localised build-up may occur under favourable conditions. | Monitor paddocks and surrounding areas for hopper bands and flying adults. Report any unusual activity or large numbers to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881. Find out more: Australian plague locust activity increasing across SA |
Common armyworm | Moderate | Reports have been received of common armyworm in sorghum in the South East, indicating early activity in some areas. Activity may increase following autumn rainfall, particularly where grassy weeds and volunteer cereals are present, providing a source for population build-up. | Monitor grassy paddocks and areas with volunteer cereals. Check for larvae prior to sowing and at crop establishment, particularly in high-risk paddocks. |
Beetles | Moderate | The PestFacts team has received reports of bronze field beetles and ground beetles (carabids). Bronze field beetles can damage emerging crops under favourable conditions, whereas carabid beetles are beneficial predators that feed on other invertebrates and contribute to natural pest control. | Monitor paddocks at crop emergence, particularly in high stubble systems. Assess beetle activity to distinguish between pest species and beneficial carabids and consider control options only if damaging populations of bronze field beetles are present. |
Rutherglen bug | Low | Reports have been received of Rutherglen bug from a lentil paddock on the Eyre Peninsula. While legumes are not a primary host and this pest is typically more of a concern later in the season in canola at podding, high numbers may feed on sap of newly emerging crops. | Monitor paddocks and assess population levels, particularly at crop emergence. Control is rarely required at this stage – consider action only if high numbers are present and feeding damage is observed. |
Weed web moth | Low | Reports have been received of weed web moth activity in new emergence canola on the Yorke Peninsula. Activity may increase where broadleaf weeds and volunteer hosts are present. Larvae can damage emerging crops if populations are high. | Monitor paddocks with high weed burden. Control the green bridge and check emerging crops for feeding damage. Consider control only if high numbers are detected. |
Thrips | Low | Reports have been received of thrip activity in new emergence canola on the Yorke Peninsula. Thrips may increase following warm conditions and autumn rainfall, particularly where weeds and volunteer hosts are present. They commonly move into emerging crops such as canola and pulses, feeding on seedlings and causing silvering, distortion and slowed growth. Damage is usually cosmetic but can be more severe under dry or moisture-stressed conditions. | Monitor emerging crops, particularly canola, for feeding damage (silvering or distortion). Check within leaves and growing points. Control is rarely required – consider action only if high numbers coincide with poor crop vigour or stress. |