Hatchings have now been recorded on 529 properties, mainly in the central and eastern Wheatbelt in the Mukinbudin, Westonia and Yilgarn Shires.

Clusters have also been recorded in the Lake Grace and Gnowangerup Shires as well on a number of properties near Esperance.

Surveys this year predicted locust hatchings in more than 15 shires in the State’s grainbelt and along the south coast during spring.

Landowners are reminded to check their properties now and be prepared to undertake spraying to protect pastures and crop. If locust hoppers are at more than 20 per square metre, they will have an economic impact.

Landowners are also asked to report locust hatchings or egg beds to their local department office.

This will help build an accurate picture of the situation and where the department may need to undertake spraying to limit the formation of high density swarms.

The department’s spraying program is dependent on seasonal conditions and is only undertaken in areas where there is the potential for high density swarms.

If necessary, the department will start spraying in November in the central and eastern Wheatbelt.

Farmers need to carry out control measures to minimise the damage to pasture and crop on their own properties.

Once field surveys indicate possible targets for control, department officers will directly contact landholders in targeted control areas to obtain permission to spray on their land and identify any sensitive areas that should not be sprayed.

A map showing the latest hatchings is available from www.agric.wa.gov.au clicking on the Australian Plague Locust link.