Locust hatching has begun in northern Mallee

23 September 2026

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging landholders and managers to ramp up their surveillance efforts as locust egg hatching has begun in parts of the northern Mallee.

Agriculture Victoria’s Incident Management Team Incident Controller Alex Perera said now that young locusts have been detected, it’s important for landholders and managers to conduct surveillance of their properties to understand their specific situation.

‘Where land managers see hatching has occurred, they should begin preparing to treat using registered chemicals that suit their specific needs.

‘Spraying will be most effective around 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts are on the ground and banding together but not yet flying.

‘Ground spraying with an approved insecticide is the most effective way to manage locusts and protect crops and pastures,’ she said.

Ms Perera said the hatching of locust eggs in the north of the Mallee is not unexpected.

Priority areas were determined through surveys in May to establish areas with a heightened risk. She said surveillance is focused on 7 priority local government areas, based on forecasts showing a moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in the Mallee and a low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in the Wimmera.

Agriculture Victoria will support private landholders, councils and public land managers throughout September and October by conducting surveillance, collecting public reports, and identifying when and where locust management activities, such as ground spraying, should be implemented.

‘Early reporting helps support accurate advice to landholders and managers and leads to a reduced risk of widespread impacts.

‘Different insecticides are approved for use on or in different crops or situations. Always read the product label and make sure the product is approved for use on Australian Plague Locusts,’ Ms Perera said.

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a free webinar for landholders and managers in the Wimmera-Mallee on locust risk and management at 12 pm on Thursday 24 September via Zoom. Visit the event page for details and registration.

If you can't attend, a recording will be available afterwards on the Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

To report locust activity, visit Australian plague locust. You can also report locust activity to the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Priority local government areas include Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh.

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au