MouseAlert > Home

Mice consuming spilt grain, Image by P Brown CSIRO

What MouseAlert provides

MouseAlert is a free resource that grain producers and farmers can use to record and report the prevalence of mice before they become a major issue. MouseAlert is a free resource, and can help you to notify producers in your region about changes in mouse activity. Information you enter, can be used to alert local biosecurity authorities and other people about changes in mouse populations, which can help everyone reduce the problems they cause.

Learn more

Alert local authorities of mice plagues. Image: Paul Tymon

What to record

Mouse activity in paddocks, crops, and grain storage
Photos of the damage they cause
Notes about any recent changes to mouse activity, such as Numbers are rising.

Learn more

Mouse Activity Report - November 2024 CSIRO and GRDC

Download the full report (November 2024) (PDF)

There is moderate mouse activity in parts of the Queensland Darling Downs (QLD). Mouse activity is very patchy (moderate in one field, but low in the next). Growers should remain vigilant. Recent storm damage (especially in Queensland) could pose problems for mouse numbers going into next year if there is lots of grain spilt. Mouse activity is low in all other areas. Low numbers of mice are unlikely to cause significant crop damage. Mouse breeding has started, so mouse activity will only increase through to autumn next year. Growers should actively monitor mouse activity (mouse chew cards are useful at this time of year). There is always a chance of higher isolated patches of higher mouse activity. Report all mouse activity into MouseAlert.

Download Chew Card

Management recommendations

Monitor crops for mouse activity - use chew cards or walk across your paddocks for active burrow counts.
Bait if mouse damage is evidence to maturing crops - Aerial apply zinc phosphide mouse bait.
Always adhere to label instructions when baiting, and be aware of withholding periods.
Once seeds have developed on heads, mice are reluctant to go for zinc phosphide baits, so bait well before seed set if possible.
Talk to bait suppliers and ask for 50 g ZnP / kg bait to ensure best chance of success. Be aware that demand for bait is currently high.
Control weeds and grasses along fence lines and crop margins before seedset by spraying or slashing.
Mouse-proof houses and grain/stock feed storage areas if possible.
Apply bait around buildings if necessary - please comply with label conditions.
Talk with other growers, and seek advice.