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Farmer creates giant 'mouse trap' to combat NSW plague

NSW farmers are reaching breaking point after enduring an eight-month-long mouse plague.

As social media continues to fill with disturbing images and video of the infestation, one Dubbo farmer has shared their ingenuity in creating a giant "mouse trap".

The video shows hundreds of mice pouring out of a temporary silo and being unwittingly funnelled into a massive bucket of water.

"How’s this for a mouse trap??" the post read. Source: Facebook
"How’s this for a mouse trap??" the post read. Source: Facebook

Mice plagued tipped to reach Sydney

Sarah Pye, who posted the clip on Facebook which has since been shared more than 6,400 times, said she was horrified by the scene, telling ABC's rural reporter Lucy Thackray she was “devastated, disgusted and done” after enduring the horror plague.

“After such a boomer of a season after drought, to lose it all is awful.”

Country towns have been struggling since last year with a mouse plague that has ruined crops, damaged tonnes of stored hay and grain, infiltrated homes and caused millions of dollars of damage.

There are growing concerns the plague is set to spread to cities with reports of mice infestations in outer suburbs of Canberra on Thursday, while experts predict the plague will migrate to parts of Sydney by August.

NSW to unleash 'world's strongest mice killer'

NSW has acquired "one of the world's strongest mice-killing chemicals" to combat the rising rodent numbers, offering potential reprieve for some farmers.

The NSW government said on Thursday it had secured 5000 litres of the anti-coagulant bromadiolone – enough to treat about 95 tonnes of grain – and would provide it for free once federal authorities approve its use.

The chemical is able to kill mice within 24 hours of its consumption.

The measure forms part of a $50 million government package announced last week to help farmers and regional towns suppress mice numbers.

"By securing a local supply of the chemical we ensure the NSW government is ready to roll — no waiting for overseas shipments, no immediate supply issues," NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said in a statement.

"Experts will treat growers' grain with bromadiolone completely free of charge to build a mice-free fortress to protect paddocks."

National Farmers' Federation president Fiona Simson welcomed the bromadiolone acquisition but said suggestions the chemical would "napalm" the rodents were excessive.

The poison is yet to be approved for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison labelled the comments of a PETA activist, urging farmers not to kill mice, as "pretty dopey" and "insensitive to the plight of farmers".

with AAP

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