Grain growers are advised to remain vigilant by monitoring mouse numbers locally in the lead-up to sowing.
The latest meeting of the National Mouse Group (NMG) heard reports of moderate to high mouse activity in parts of Eyre Peninsula, as well as in Western Australia and from the Darling Downs and Roma in Queensland.
NMG, a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment, is a grower-led working group providing growers with the latest advice and information to support effective, timely and safe best-practice mouse management.
Chairperson Ian Hastings highlighted the need for considered yet quick action.
“Strategic baiting six weeks out from sowing in areas of high mouse activity can reduce local populations and stop population growth but be prepared to bait again at sowing if mice are still a problem,” he said.
GRDC pest manager Leigh Nelson said GRDC was dedicated to advancing mouse management strategies to reduce the impact of rising mouse populations in key grain-growing regions.
“We have invested in research to better understand mouse ecology, behaviour, and population dynamics, while also promoting the widespread adoption of effective management practices through strong communication and extension efforts,” she said.
“The National Mouse Group plays a crucial role in our efforts to advance mouse management strategies.”
CSIRO researcher Steve Henry said the best way to confirm mouse activity is by walking paddocks to look for mouse burrows.
“The goal of baiting is to ensure mice consume a lethal dose. Any background food can decrease baiting effectiveness, as it lowers the chances of mice encountering a lethal dose,” he said.
“Therefore, it’s important to check the amount of background food in paddocks and, where possible, reduce it before baiting.
“By the time you’re seeing mouse activity, it’s almost too late. Mouse numbers increase really quickly and farmers need to be vigilant to ensure numbers don’t get out of control.”
Log your local mouse activity through the MouseAlert website, via X (formerly Twitter) using @MouseAlert or through the FeralScan Pest Mapping app.
This data is key for researchers to refine and verify forecast models.
