Outbreak of brown locusts in Northern Cape

THERE has been an outbreak of brown locusts in Namibia and near De Aar in the Karoo.

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in its latest newsletter that after speaking to authorities, farmers and others in the region, it could confirm an outbreak of brown locusts, Locustana pardalina.

The outbreak was not in any way linked to the massive outbreak of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregarial) in East Africa.

Sporadic outbreaks of brown locusts occur in areas such as southern Namibia, parts of Botswana and the Karoo when climatic conditions are conducive.

The department said registered pesticides were available for dealing with the locusts at its main depot in De Aar in the Northern Cape.

“The aim is to control the locust outbreak soon after hatching of individuals, or when the locusts are still in the so-called hopper stage, to prevent the development of flying swarms.

“Local agricultural departments and resource conservation centres in De Aar and Upington should also be informed,” according to the newsletter.

The non-profit organisation CropLife SA said it was confident the department was capable of managing the locust outbreak in an ecologically sensible manner.

Any person who notices an outbreak of locusts on their farm or in their area has been encouraged to supply information and photos to the CropLife SA emergency number via WhatsApp: 082 446 8946.