Experts warn wet weather may bring more mice amid fears of new plague
Farmers in New South Wales have reported fears of another mouse plague as heavy rains and impacted crops bring new hordes of the rodents.
One canola farmer in Walbundrie, in the state's south, found dozens of mice stuck in the sieve of his header this week.
He said the sighting was unusual, prompting new concerns for the next harvest season.
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CSIRO research officer Steve Henry said there had been increases in mouse sightings across parts of central NSW, with mice drawn in by current climate conditions.
He said wet weather often mean more prosperous crops, which also provide ample food supply for the pests.
"With climate conditions the way they are, that food will feed mice into next year when farmers are harvesting their crops," Mr Henry said.
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NSW canola farmer Chris Collins found multiple mice trapped in the sieve of his header while harvesting his crop. Twitter
He said wet conditions meant farmers were eager to get their crops harvested quickly, with greater chance of food dropping from machinery.
Extra moisture also means crops like wheat can droop from the extra weight, making them harder to harvest and leading to more waste.
"That could lead to more food being left behind for the mice," Mr Henry said.
He urged farmers to focus on the clean cutting of crops and to be proactive about keeping out mice "before they do become a monumental problem".
"We can't actually predict we'll see large numbers of mice again, but in those paddocks where you've had grain loss, you need to be vigilant about looking for mouse activity."
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Mice caught in the sieves of a header during a recent harvest in NSW. Twitter
Extra warmth and humidity also provides the perfect breeding ground for mice.
"Climatic conditions favourable for growing crops are also favourable for mouse breeding," Mr Henry said.
"Mild, moist conditions and lots of food means a high level of survival of offspring and high numbers of breeding."
He said while mice were deterred by floods, they tended to return and find homes even in wet conditions, and were excellent swimmers.
"Mice are one of the more resilient species on the planet, they're everywhere that humans are," Mr Henry said.
"I think that message about farmers remaining vigilant is really important."
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