SA locust activity update

PIRSA update 28 October 2026 (extract).

The Australian plague locust is a native Australian insect that can cause significant damage to crops and pastures when populations build to high levels.

Current situation

Extensive surveillance and control work by PIRSA, together with treatment activities undertaken by landholders, has helped manage locust populations across affected areas including the Flinders, Mid North, Riverland and the SA Mallee.

However, given the migratory ability of locusts, South Australia may continue to experience some movement of locusts from eastern states, reinforcing the importance of ongoing monitoring and early reporting.

Use the following link to view the updated Locust Activity Map for South Australia.

If you see locust activity, report it to PIRSA by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or through PIRSA’s online plant pest reporting form. the information most applicable to your stakeholders.

Options for Landholders

Landholders continue to be encouraged to:

• Monitor and report all locust activity.

• Treat early if locusts are detected. Find out more about treatment and control options.

• Take advantage of support available through the Locust Chemical Rebate Scheme where eligible.

• Use only products registered or permitted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for their situation.

A range of control options may be suitable depending on individual circumstances. Landholders may choose to engage private contractors or aerial service providers if required, taking into account relevant safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.

Advice should be sought from an agronomist, chemical reseller, PIRSA or another suitably qualified adviser before undertaking control activities.

To support landholders, PIRSA has expanded its online locust control resources, including additional chemical treatment advice, to help inform treatment and control decisions.

What else is PIRSA doing

PIRSA continues to deliver a coordinated locust preparedness program which includes the following surveillance, planning and control activities:

• PIRSA has updated and expanded its online locust control resources, including additional chemical treatment advice, to support informed discussions between landholders, agronomists and service providers about suitable control options.

• PIRSA continues to work closely with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) to ensure environmental considerations are incorporated into planning and that management plans are in place for control in and around national parks.

• Information on the Chemical Rebate Scheme continues to be shared with landholders to help reduce the cost of locust control. Guidelines have now been expanded to allow up to two applications per property. For full updated eligibility criteria and rebate conditions.

• Information packs have been distributed through community networks, local businesses and agronomists to increase awareness of locust activity, treatment options and available support resources among landholders. Please reach out if you would like to receive a pack for your business.

• Surveys have been shared through industry networks to gather feedback from landholders, to identify emerging challenges, address information gaps and refine support resources.

• The ‘Stop the Hop’ awareness campaign continues to run across print, radio, digital and social media platforms.

For more information on locust activity and PIRSA’s plans, visit pir.sa.gov.au/locusts