Locust swarms more than 40ha in size “black out the sky” in Queensland

[Mark]

PLAGUES of locusts have been devouring their way through the state’s central west compounding the hardships suffered by drought-affected farmers. 
 
More than 150 swarms have been reported to Biosecurity Queensland so far this year, with some reported to be more than 40ha in size and thick enough to “black out the sky”.

While their activity has been dying down as winter approaches, there are fears eggs are lying dormant waiting to return in favourable weather conditions.

There were only 15 swarms reported throughout the state from 2011 and 2013.

But Biosecurity Queensland figures show there were 40 swarms reported in January, 59 in February, 43 in March and 16 in April and conducted aerial sprays over 20,000ha of central Queensland to tackle them.

Locust activity has been reported mostly in the central west including Blackall-Tambo, Emerald, Longreach, Barcaldine, Banana, Boulia, Cloncurry and Diamantina.

Jilly Peck, a farmer from Purtora, near Blackall, said last month her property had two swarms go past it in three weeks.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/locust-swarms-more-than-40ha-in-size-black-out-the-sky-in-queensland/story-fnn8dlfs-1227331913567

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