Locust hatchings have been reported throughout Western New South Wales, eastern South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria. According to Paul Walker, of the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC), spraying operations throughout the early part of October are crucial to the survival of these grain areas facing potential locust invasion.

The APLC has limited resources, however, and fears have been raised that it will be unable to protect some areas if several places require spraying simultaneous. Landowners have been warned that some might have to protect their own land.