Unappro ved rural baiting has been linked the death of a flock of galahs in Forest Hill and farmers are being reminded that their attempts to kill pests has a major impact on native wildlife.

Prepared bait is available from local rural merchandise businesses or the Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA).

Hume LHPA senior ranger Mark Luff said it was vital to use bait appropriately and in the right doses.

“If they are going to use bait, I would urge producers to use the correct bait at the correct rate,” he said.

“Bait for around the home and shed is available, chemical coated grain can also be prepared for perimeter control and in-crop poisons can be found from rural merchandisers.”

The “mouse plague” has dropped off in recent weeks due to the cold weather but landholders are being warned about a spring outbreak.

The Department of Primary Industries has warned of a renewed mouse plague as the weather improves and to combat this, farmers are asked to monitor the situation before spreading chemicals.

Earlier this year, the LHPA prepared more than 1000 tonnes of Bromadiolone-treated grain for use in crop perimeter protection.

Zinc phosphide is used as in-crop protection but is only recommended when monitoring indicates mice numbers are increasing and there is potential for an economic level of damage.