NSW DPI Mouse Management advice…
NSW is currently experiencing high mouse numbers in cropping regions.
If mouse numbers are at high levels at the time of sowing, some winter crops may be significantly damaged at, or prior to, emergence.
In-paddock baiting with zinc phosphide just before sowing or at sowing may be required in these circumstances.
Information on management and control strategies for mice is available from the:
Mouse Alert website
Local Land Services website
Mouse management workshops
Regional NSW Landcare groups are running free mouse management workshops for farmers in the locations listed below. Contact your local Landcare group to secure a spot or for more information.
View the recorded online workshop from CSIRO researcher Steve Henry
Zinc Phosphide
NSW DPI has successfully applied to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to allow the use of zinc phosphide bait on bare fallows prior to the 2021 sowing period.
The permit allows for bait to be applied late in the afternoon to maximise consumption of bait by mice, which generally feed at night, and is in effect until August 2022.
The approval requires users of zinc phosphide to report any bird kill incident following application of the bait to fallow land to either NSW DPI or NSW EPA.
Producers should not harvest crops or allow livestock to graze baited areas for 14 days after application.
Click here for further information
Click here for information on Staying healthy during a mouse plague