Growers urged to report mouse numbers

Grain growers across Australia are being urged to check paddocks for mouse numbers and record mouse activity as part of a national campaign aimed at early detection and effective control ahead of this year’s winter crop.

Concerns about mouse numbers were front of mind at the latest meeting of the National Mouse Group (NMG). NMG is a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment, developed to co-ordinate action to counter mouse plagues and comprising specialist researchers, grain growers, advisers and industry stakeholders.

GRDC supported mouse researcher Steve Henry from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is encouraging growers to monitor and log mouse activity this season through the free MouseAlert website, via X (formerly Twitter) using @MouseAlert or though the FeralScan Pest Mapping app.

MouseAlert is a free online tool that allows growers to record and view mouse activity in their area, aiding in the collective efforts of the National Mouse Group to track and manage mouse populations effectively.