Agricultural
21 April, 2026
The Mice are Back!
Every year at this time they turn up without an invitation for a feed and right on time they are in the area causing trouble.
New Branch Manager at Raff Clifton, Rob Doro said in just the last few weeks sales of mice baits, traps etc. have increased as the dry weather and lower temperatures provide all the invitation the little pests need to make their annual visit.
The Australian Pesticides Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) advises that baits need to be placed in secure tamper-proof and weather resistant bait stations that are secured in place.
Rob added that placing baits on the ground was ineffective anyway because mice will not touch dirty baits.
It would seem in the last few years Clifton has not suffered the extreme level of mice infestation as we did in 2021 when mice plagues caused considerable financial losses across the Downs.
Farmers in the Goondiwindi and central Darling Downs areas are already seeing higher numbers.
Any paddocks with high grain loss during harvest are likely to have higher populations.
However, it’s always best to get on top of the problem before it becomes unmanageable.
Authorities have already reported that the Darling Downs is under a high risk of increased mice activity and potential plagues.
