If you’ve ever seen a road shimmer and move as if alive, you might have stumbled upon one of Australia’s most notorious natural spectacles.
And unfortunately, it’s also one of its most destructive. Right now, vast swarms of migratory locusts are on the march across outback Queensland.
Experts are warning that the threat to crops, pastures and even backyard veggie patches is very real.
A ‘carpet of critters’ on the move
Recent sightings have left locals in the Longreach, Muttaburra, Aramac and Alpha-Moray Downs regions gobsmacked.
After months of generous rainfall, the conditions have been perfect for locust breeding, and the result is a literal ‘carpet of critters’ crawling and hopping across rural roads and paddocks.
Staff from Desert Channels Queensland recently reported seeing late-instar locusts—the final stage before they grow wings and take to the skies in even larger, more mobile swarms.
While the migratory locust is a native species and does play a role in our ecosystem, when their numbers explode, they become a farmer’s worst nightmare.
Geoff Penton from Desert Channels explained, ‘They will eat everything and anything that looks like green grass. They will even eat green clothing off clothing lines.’
Why should we care?
It’s not just a rural problem. These voracious insects can strip entire fields of wheat, barley, oats, sorghum, legumes, vegetables and even fruit trees in a matter of hours.
That means the ingredients for your morning toast, your favourite beer and even the feed for livestock are all at risk.
A large enough outbreak can devastate agricultural regions, threaten food security and cause major economic headaches for farmers already grappling with droughts, floods and fluctuating markets.
And it’s not just the big farms that need to worry. Locusts don’t discriminate—your backyard veggie patch or prized rose garden could be next if a swarm passes through.
What’s being done?
The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) is on high alert, confirming landholder reports of active locust bands and urging everyone to keep their eyes peeled.
While the current population hasn’t yet reached the threshold for aerial spraying, authorities are watching closely.
If the rain keeps up—more than 40 mm a month—we could see another wave of hatching and even bigger swarms.
Landholders and local councils are being asked to report any sightings of swarms, hopper bands or egg-laying activity. Early detection is key to stopping a full-blown plague before it takes flight.
If you spot anything suspicious, you can call the APLC on 1 800 635 962 or email [email protected].
What can you do?
- Stay vigilant: If you live in or near affected areas, keep an eye out for unusual insect activity, especially large groups of hoppers or flying swarms.
- Report sightings: Don’t assume someone else will do it. Early reporting can make all the difference.
- Protect your patch: If you’re a gardener, consider temporary netting or covers for your most precious plants. Farmers should review their biosecurity plans and be ready to act if the situation escalates.
- Spread the word: Let your neighbours know what’s happening. The more eyes on the ground, the better.
Looking ahead
With winter approaching, locust development should slow down—unless the rain keeps falling.
Experts are cautiously optimistic, but as any seasoned Australian knows, it pays to be prepared for whatever nature throws our way.
Have you ever witnessed a locust swarm or had your garden or crops affected by these hungry hoppers?
What tips do you have for keeping them at bay? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—your insight could help others stay one step ahead of the next big outbreak.
Also read: Locust invasion looms: Millions poised to swarm—are you ready?
