PERTH NOW | "They're everywhere": fresh rural mouse plague warning

Rising mouse activity across key cropping regions is adding another layer of pressure for grain growers heading into seeding, with reports of infestations stretching from Western Australia through to South Australia and parts of Queensland.

Perth Now reported that CSIRO monitoring has highlighted increasing risk in several regions, while growers on the ground are already seeing significant activity in paddocks, sheds and homes.

Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said early signs from Western Australia are a clear warning ahead of sowing.

“These are firsthand observations from growers on the ground… the level of activity being reported has clearly raised concern,” he said.

Mr Weidemann said growers should be prepared to act early, particularly at sowing when baiting is most effective.

“This warning comes as grain producers are already dealing with increasing uncertainty about fuel and fertiliser access,” he said.

With populations able to escalate rapidly, the focus is now on early monitoring and preparedness to avoid a repeat of past large-scale outbreaks.

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