A report released by the CSIRO and Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) last November, suggested it would be a good idea for farmers to keep an eye on mice numbers in February and March 2025.

As a follow up, the GRDC are holding a Research Update on using zinc phosphide for successful mouse control.

Western Plains App asked Walgett agronomist, Greg Rummery from Outlook Ag, to “squeak” about how mouse numbers are tracking across the Western Plains.

“You see the odd mouse here and there, but there’s no great issue at the moment,” Mr Rummery said.

“We do bait with zinc phosphide mixed with grain if its necessary, but there hasn’t really been the need locally.”

GRDC suggestions to monitor across multiple paddocks to gauge mouse numbers to inform management decisions, makes sense, Mr Rummery said.

“Mice will come out of the margins, like pasture paddocks to cropped or harvested paddocks, simply becuase there is more feed,” he said.

“In our area, we would rarely pre-emptively bait for mice other than possibly in canola at sowing."

Agronomist, Greg Rummery from Walgett said mouse numbers are not currently problematic in the Western Plains.

A Local Land Services spokesperson told Western Plains App that North West LLS and Central West LLS recently monitored several cropping fields for mice activity.

"At most of the sites, the paper cards placed in the field – called mouse chew cards – were untouched and little mice activity was found," the spokesperson said.

"Landholders should regularly inspect their properties for mice activity and monitor any changes, particularly before sowing and in early spring."

"Early detection is key to managing numbers effectively and limiting damage to crops, feed and fodder, and stored grain."

GRDC recommend strategic use of zinc phosphide for successful mouse control.

In their upcoming on-line Research Update, Steve Henry, CSIRO and Ben White, Research Engineer will explore strategies for successful mouse control and factors that restrict efficacy of zinc phosphide.

Mr Henry and Mr White will highlight recent research on best placement of zinc phosphide and the impact of leftover grain in paddock post-harvest.

GRDC suggest that low crop yields and storm-affected crops might mask mouse numbers and damage.

They also say mouse activity could increase rapidly when conditions become favourable, which will be a concern for seeding in autumn 2025.

Mouse activity can be reported on MouseAlert.

MouseAlert is a free resource that grain producers and farmers can use to record and report the prevalence of mice before they become a major issue.

Farmers interested in the GRDC online update of Strategic use of zinc phosphide for successful mouse control on 12 March can register here.