EASTER rain is spurring problematic locust numbers to new heights in the Coonabarabran region.
Local Land Services (LLS) has warned farmers to increase their monitoring and reporting.
With warmer weather predicted in the coming days, farmers are encouraged to work with LLS to monitor known egg beds and control locusts on their land.
LLS acting biosecurity and emergency services manager Lisa Thomas said two per cent of locusts had already hatched following the Easter rain.
“The warmer weather will promote hatching," Ms Thomas said.
"We want to be across the situation and support landholders with chemical and advice."
She said there were other areas affected, but there was a high concentration of egg beds around Coonabarabran.
There is evidence locusts would continue laying through the winter period, leading to more hatchings in spring.
“It doesn’t matter how small, we need to know what is happening and be able to assess what we need to do in spring.”
