FARM ONLINE | 'Absolute plague proportions' as pre-seeding mouse numbers rise ominously

Rising mouse activity across Western Australia, South Australia and parts of Victoria is putting growers on alert ahead of seeding, with conditions supporting rapid population growth.

Farm Online reported that CSIRO monitoring has highlighted high numbers in WA, with emerging pressure in southern regions, reinforcing the need for early action before crops are sown.

Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said on-farm monitoring is critical at this stage.

“Monitoring for mice does not need to be complicated, but it does require growers to spend some time physically inspecting paddocks,” he said.

Mr Weidemann said identifying early signs such as fresh burrows can help growers act before populations escalate.

“Fresh burrows are often the clearest indicator… these sorts of checks help build a clearer picture of whether numbers are sitting at background levels or beginning to increase,” he said.

He said planning ahead for bait supply will also be important as demand rises.

“Ensuring bait is available on farm allows growers to act immediately if monitoring shows numbers increasing.”

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