By Alesha Capone
IT MAY not be swarm-aggedon, but locusts still had western suburbs’ residents on the hop last week.
More than 60 locust sightings across Brimbank, Melton, Maribyrnong, Wyndham and Hobsons Bay have been reported by residents to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), but so far Sunshine has been the worst hit in the West.
A swarm of the pesky insects were seen winging their way down Lynch St, near the corner of Omega St, last Monday.
Just after 4pm, a group of the creatures were observed flying in the street, which is off Ballarat Rd.
Then last Wednesday, another swarm was spotted in Comley St, Sunshine North, at 9.41pm.
To qualify as a swarm, there must be between four to 10 insects per square metre of air space.
Another Brimbank location where locusts have been bugging residents is Taylors Hill, which has had five separate solo locust sightings.
Other suburbs across the West with five or more locust reports include Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit.
A spokesman for the DPI, Geoff Strong, said a small number of adult flying locusts have been reported in Melbourne and the surrounding areas since last Friday.
Mr Strong said most of the insects sighted in the West appeared to be “blown in from the north” where larger groups have been spotted.
“We encourage people to report locusts when they see them, as it helps us plan our response,” he said.
Contact the DPI Locust Hotline on 1300 135 559 to report a sighting.
