Page Content
How the APLC controls locusts
The APLC engages in operations designed to combat outbreaks or potential outbreaks of the Australian plague, spur-throated and migratory locusts which in the opinion of the commission are likely to result in damage to rural industries in another state. Protection of crops is not the responsibility of the commission, although on occasion that may occur as a consequence of controlling a significant band or swarm.
The APLC's objective is to reduce the impact of major locust infestations by early intervention during the breeding sequence of population increases. Regular field surveys are conducted to monitor locust populations and identify infestations which if uncontrolled may lead to large population increases and migration to other areas. While locusts may be present over a considerable area during an outbreak, a major part of the population will be concentrated in high density bands of nymphs (hopper bands) and adult swarms which the APLC locates and controls from aircraft.
APLC control
The principal method of control is to aerially spray targets of bands or swarms with one of three currently registered insecticides. These insecticides are applied by aerial agricultural operators under contract to the APLC using fixed wing aircraft fitted with Micronair rotary atomiser application equipment. Differential Global Positioning Satellite (DGPS) units are also fitted to spray aircraft to ensure the precise application of insecticide within the target area. Information on the location of control activities is provided to stakeholders and the public through regular Locust Management Advice.
The insecticides currently used are the the organophosphorous insecticide - fenitrothion, the phenyl pyrazole - fipronil and the biological control agent - Metahrizium. Information on the use, label restrictions and effects of the formulations of these insecticides used by the APLC are summarised in the following fact sheets:
- Fenitrothion
PDF [23Kb] - Fipronil PDF [31Kb]
- Metarhizium PDF [24Kb]
Spraying of locusts by the APLC is carried out with regard to health, safety and the environment. Before a control campaign is mounted a number of criteria must be met, taking into consideration the size and location of an infestation, safety hazards and environmental constraints. We do not, in accordance with strict national regulations on aerial spraying, spray over homesteads, vehicles, stock or dams, or within 5 km of beehives or crops being pollinated by bees. Spraying is only carried out with the permission of landholders.
Because of the very low volume of insecticide sprayed, the short residual life of fenitrothion and the low frequency of spraying in any one area from season to season, APLC locust control operations have a minimal impact on the environment. The Environment Research and Monitoring program addresses potential impacts of APLC control on non-target animals and the environment.
The APLC does not undertake any control with ground-based equipment, as a far greater number of locusts can be sprayed in a short period of time with aerial spraying. However, opportunities for aerial spraying may be limited by the requirements to leave buffer zones around waterways and homesteads, particularly in more closely settled areas. It is therefore recommended that landholders and relevant state government agencies undertake ground control where bands of nymphs are too small or not dense enough to be spotted from the air, present a direct threat to crops, or are within 1.5 km of homesteads and waterways where aerial spraying may not be possible. For further information see Information for Landholders.
It is important that as many locusts are controlled as possible when they are still nymphs and forming bands. Once they grow wings and become adults they disperse and are much harder to control. Other pages on this website contain infromation on the rationale for and cost benefits of controlling of locusts as pests, and the history of locust and grasshopper outbreaks in Australia.
Aerial spraying
Biological control
The APLC, in collaboration with CSIRO Entomology, has developed a non-chemical method of locust control that utilises a naturally occurring fungus called Metarhizium anisopliae var acridium.
The application of fungal spores suspended in a mineral or vegetable oil and sprayed onto locusts using conventional spraying equipment was developed as part of the APLC Biological Control Research program.
This fungus only attacks locusts and grasshoppers and is harmless to other organisms. It is primarily used on organic production and areas where land use limitations restrict other insecticides.
