Scientists are warning NSW farmers of a resurgence in mice numbers after winter failed to kill off the animal, as the pest continues to cause problems in Western Australia.
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The CSIRO said mice numbers have not declined in NSW in the cooler months as had been expected.
NSW farmers have also seen evidence of increased mouse activity after one of the most significant outbreaks in the state for a decade.
Plague proportions of mice were experienced from August 2020 to May 2021 between central NSW to Southern Queensland.
"Given they (mice) went into the winter with such high numbers, they have come out with higher than normal numbers, now we are nearing the end of the cooler weather," CSIRO scientist Steve Henry told AAP.
"Farmers need to look for signs of damage in their developing winter crops, and if they see those signs, be prepared to bait," he said.
"Zinc phosphide is the only product licensed for use for farmers and the chances of other animals being poisoned is very low," he said.
Mr Henry, who has been studying mouse populations for a decade, said "the value of baiting early is to get the bait on the ground before there is a lot of other food in the system".
He said there is also an emerging situation in Western Australia, particularly around Geraldton, where farmers are reporting damage to early maturing canola crops.
NSW Farmers Vice President Xavier Martin said mouse activity is already on the increase in some areas.
"I am starting to see increased activity on my own farm, and I am hearing the same from a lot of members," said the farmer from the Liverpool Plains in northwest NSW.
NSW Farmers has encouraged farmers to apply for the zinc phosphide bait rebate of up to $10,000.
"The mouse plague of 2021 is clearly not over and farmers will need all the support they can get," Mr Martin said.
Australian Associated Press
