Producers urged to prepare for a spring surge in mice population

With increased mouse activity in the state's north, primary producers are being encouraged by the NSW government to prepare for a mice population surge this spring with ideal conditions expected.

The advice comes as 304 producers have already accessed more than $2 million in assistance under the zinc phosphide rebate, which covers 50 per cent of the cost of zinc phosphide baits, up to $10,000.

More than 13,000 households and small businesses have also claimed in excess of $7.5 million worth of rebates on retail mouse baits.

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The NSW Government announced the $100 million primary producer zinc phosphide rebate scheme in June after pressure from NSW Farmers and Country Women's Association to implement a financial support package.

At that time NSW Farmers president James Jackson Mr Jackson said zinc phosphide was a "better poison" to use it did not have the potential to contaminate the food supply chain.

Today Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said while there had been some respite from high mouse numbers across the winter months as breeding slowed, the government was concerned about a spring surge in numbers as the weather warms up.

"It looks like we're going to have good conditions and hopefully a great winter crop, but that also means mice will have everything they need to build populations very quickly in the lead up to harvest," Mr Marshall said.

"Early detection is critical to helping protect crops, so farmers should be walking their paddocks now looking for signs of mice and being prepared to bait if needed."

Mr Marshall said signs of mouse damage included chewing the nodes of developing cereals and the chewing of flowers and pods on canola and legumes.

"The experts tell us it is better to bait early with the newly-available zinc phosphide 50g/kg baits before your crops start to fill," Mr Marshall said.

"Baiting early will help control mouse populations before they start breeding in spring, as they'll more readily take the baits while there is less alternative food available.

The NSW Government is also working with manufacturers to make sure there is an ample supply of zinc phosphide available.

Households are eligible to claim up to $500 and small businesses, including primary producers and sole traders, will be eligible to claim up to $1,000 for rebates on baits.

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