Growers: be vigilant of mouse infestations

Grain growers are being urged to check their paddocks for signs of mouse activity as reports of infestations emerge, with last season’s wet, late harvest leaving lots of grain on the ground in many areas. Experts from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO warned that while mouse numbers vary across cropping zones, if present in high numbers, they can have devastating impacts on crops being sown.

Growers are already reporting mouse activity on Queensland farms.

“We are urging farmers to get out of their utes and check their paddocks,” CSIRO researcher Steve Henry said.

“Even if you don’t think you have a problem, you may in fact have a localised population about to explode.”

Regular monitoring and early identification of mouse infestations is essential.

If left unchecked, a mouse population can quickly escalate and result in crop losses, reduced yields, and increased costs associated with pest control measures.

Mice can also damage infrastructure such as irrigation systems and farm buildings.