Farmers in Western Australia and South Australia have reported plague-like mouse populations since March, with rodents destroying wheat, canola and barley crops by feeding on freshly planted seeds and grain stored on farms.
The outbreak comes at a difficult time for the agricultural sector, with farmers also facing increased fuel and fertiliser costs linked to ongoing global geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Many producers say they have been forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars replanting crops and purchasing bait in an effort to control the growing rodent population. Despite these efforts, losses continue as mice consume newly sown seeds overnight.
Western Australian farmer Geoff Cosgrove described the current outbreak as the worst he has experienced in his 25 years of farming. He said mice have invaded his home, running through ceilings and air-conditioning systems and creating constant noise and unpleasant odours.
Agronomist Belinda Eastough said some affected areas are recording between 8,000 and 10,000 mice per hectare, far above the level typically associated with a mouse plague. Researchers from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, define a mouse plague as approximately 800 mice per hectare.
Experts say favourable conditions created by strong harvests and summer rainfall provided abundant food and ideal breeding environments for the rodents. Mice can begin reproducing at just six weeks of age and produce multiple litters within short periods, allowing populations to explode rapidly.
Beyond the economic damage, farmers are also reporting significant psychological strain. The constant presence of mice in homes, sheds and machinery has disrupted sleep and increased stress levels across affected communities.
Authorities recently approved stronger bait products following weeks of pressure from farmers. While some producers have reported early signs that cooler winter temperatures may be slowing mouse activity, many say the damage has already been severe.
Farmers remain hopeful that winter conditions will help bring the outbreak under control, but for many, recovery from the losses may take much longer.
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