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Mouse plagues have occurred in Australia before. However, this year is different. The recent mouse plague is considered the worst plague in decades. 

It has been challenging for many Australian farmers because they have experienced floods, fires, and locust plagues. Today, they are experiencing a harrowing mouse plague, putting their crops and businesses in danger. Many hotels even had to close down because they couldn’t keep the mice away. Some are even falling from the roofs like rain. 

In this article, we are going to discuss the current situation and how we can help you. 

The Situation: Mouse Plague In New South Wales

Mouse plagues were usually localised before. However, this year it has to in epic proportions. The worst mouse plague in decades started in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales. According to Australia’s National Science Agency, the CSIRO, there are over 800 to 1,000 mice per hectare. 

Based on Live Science, the plague was due to the unusually abundant grain harvest, which caused a surplus of mice. Mice can produce 500 offspring or more for each season. Female mice can birth a litter every three weeks, and those mice need a lot of food. These rodents aren’t picky, so the crops are under threat. 

Effects of the Mouse Plague

The enormous amount of rodents has caused many people to be bitten while farmers’ budgets were stretched to eliminate the problem. They have destroyed many livelihoods. These rodents caused widespread damage to farms, livestock, manufacturers, commercial businesses, and households. 

A survey estimated losses between $50,000 and $150,000 for a third of these farms. Total costs could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars if urgent action wasn’t taken. There is no denying its impact on the farming industry. 

Many farmers were forced to burn straw to get rid of them. They also planned to expose the burrows to the harsh winter snow. 

Additionally, rodents enter homes and constantly gnaw on anything they can find. 

This poses serious damage to a number of materials, including electrical wires and cables. When these don’t work properly, it can result in fires and electrical damage. Rodents can also cause leptospirosis, typhus fever, and other diseases. 

How Can It Be Controlled? 

Based on the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), they found out that increasing zinc phosphide in mouse baits can help farmers eliminate more mice in the area. The authorities have also allowed farmers and manufacturers to double the toxicity levels. Aside from these, the farming industry needs financial help from the government. 

Fortunately, the NSW Government has announced $50 million in funding to tackle the ongoing mouse plague. It will help farmers prevent peaking within the next few months. The initiative is being monitored by CSIRO and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Conclusion

Getting rid of mice is difficult. Most homeowners try DIY products, but these don’t usually work. Mice will look for homes during the winter months, driving them into many homes. As such, you need to talk to your local professional pest control services to figure out how to prevent this from happening. 

Work with only the best pest controller for your home! Crossfire Pest Solutions offers professional pest solutions in Croydon. Contact us immediately.