While visiting Swan Hill, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the presence of immature locusts (or nymphs) had been discovered near Mystic Park. Other sites around the area have been investigated but no locust hatching activity has been discovered.

“In one case it appears recent rains have washed away soil, exposing locust egg pods to sunlight and therefore warmth, prompting them to hatch,” Mr Helper said.

“While we will continue to monitor these latest incidents, the prevailing cool weather conditions means there is a low risk of crop damage.

“Locusts are more active in warm weather, so in cool conditions they will be slower to mature, more susceptible to birds and other animals, and not feed as actively. Many may not survive to maturity.”

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) entomologist and Victorian Plague Locust Commissioner Gordon Berg said to date the hatchings were of a small scale and would most likely have minimal impact on landholders or the community.

“We also know that not all locust eggs in a population go into diapause, which is a dormant stage that usually prevents them from hatching in cold conditions,” Mr Berg said.

“Therefore it is possible similar small scale hatchings could take place in other parts of Northern Victoria over the next couple of months.

“We would ask anyone who sees what they think are locusts hatching to report it to the DPI locust hotline, on 1300 135 559.

“Despite the latest hatchings, the vast bulk of predicted locust hatchings will still take place in spring – and will vary depending on local conditions.”