Stronger mouse bait approved for Western Australia farmers May 2026

Grain producers in Western Australia now have access to stronger rodent bait. This is a big change from the older, weaker bait used earlier this year.
By Newsroom | Agriculture, Western Australia |

Western Australia's agricultural areas are currently grappling with a significant rodent infestation, prompting the deployment of more potent baiting strategies. Grain producers in the affected regions will now have access to stronger baits following a national emergency permit secured by Grain Producers Australia. This move comes as existing baiting methods, specifically the 25g/kg zinc phosphide (ZP25), are deemed insufficient against the scale of the current plague.

The core issue is the inadequate strength of current mouse baiting solutions in the face of an overwhelming rodent population, necessitating the emergency use of more potent agents.

The DPIRD primary industries development deputy director general, Cec McConnell, indicated that this restricted access to high-strength baits represents a "valuable addition" to the efforts already underway by landholders. The plague is not confined to Western Australia, with reports of similar infestations in South Australia and across central parts of the continent. Farmers are expressing a degree of optimism regarding the potential efficacy of the new measures after weeks of advocacy.

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The emergency permit allows for the use of baits with a higher concentration of active ingredient, aiming to provide a more decisive impact on the rapidly breeding rodent populations. This escalation in baiting strength is a direct response to the severity of the current outbreak, which threatens agricultural output and potentially broader public health concerns if left unchecked. The accessibility of these stronger baits to grain farmers is seen as a crucial step in mitigating further crop damage.

The current situation highlights a critical challenge in pest management: adapting control methods to match the intensity of an outbreak. The campaign for stronger bait access underscores the proactive stance taken by agricultural bodies in response to what could become a prolonged and damaging infestation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Western Australia farmers get access to stronger mouse bait on 19 May 2026?
The current mouse plague is too big for old bait to handle. Grain Producers Australia got an emergency permit to use stronger chemicals to save crops from damage.
Q: Who is affected by the mouse plague in Western Australia?
Grain farmers are the most affected as mice eat their crops. This issue also impacts the food supply and is spreading to South Australia and central parts of the country.
Q: What is the difference between the new bait and the old bait?
The old bait used 25g/kg of zinc phosphide, which is not strong enough for this many mice. The new permit allows for higher concentrations of active ingredients to kill mice faster.
Q: What happens next for farmers dealing with the mouse plague?
Farmers can now buy and use the stronger bait immediately. This is expected to help stop the mice from breeding and protect the remaining grain harvest.