What is Neighbourhood PestWatch ?

Neighbourhood PestWatch is a local/regional insect pest monitoring program initiated by Tuckombil Landcare Inc and
developed collaboratively by local farmers, TAFE Agriculture staff, NSW DPI Entomology staff. The project is funded by the National Landcare Program and contributions from the partners.

How did the Neighbourhood PestWatch project get started?

After sustaining heavy crop losses from insect damage during the 2002/2003 season, the macadamia, avocado and custard apple farmer members of Tuckombil Landcare decided to set up a program to coordinate pest monitoring and information sharing.
The farmers were encouraged by TAFE teachers and NSW DPI entomologists to
develop a program that would standardise and coordinate pest monitoring procedures as well as develop a tool for sharing pest monitoring results.

How does the Neighbourhood PestWatch program work?
Insect populations are monitored by farmer volunteers on a weekly basis during the season using pheromone traps and visual monitoring techniques. Farmers share monitoring results with each other and submit data to local DPI entomologists.
Monitoring protocols are based on farmer's practical experience and knowledge of the local landscape in collaboration with local entomologists, IPM specialists and TAFE staff. Farmers choose relevant pest species to monitor, further their understanding of pest life cycles/habitat and share local information about incidence of pests. Monitoring recording sheets and monitoring tools are designed, tested and field tested by farmers for ease of management and reliability.

What are the uses and benefits of a Neighbourhood PestWatch program?
The use and collaborative development of a Neighbourhood PestWatch program has benefits to farmers and other land managers, conservationists, and natural resources conservation agencies.

For farmers and land managers, Neighbourhood PestWatch is a tool to:
track the movement and distribution of pests on farm
- track the movement and distribution of pests in the local region
- help farmers make pest-management decisions
- keep functional records of insect monitoring data
- allow pro-active IPM strategies to be put in place which can lead to cost saving as well as protection to the environment
- communicate with IPM specialists (DPI entomologists, researchers and agricultural industry professionals) about issues or problems related to pest management

For extension/research staff Neighbourhood PestWatch is a tool to:
- approach farmers.
- promote Integrated Pest Management and communicate/exchange ideas with farmers.
- learn about pest issues in the local area.
- identify research topics.
- collect data on pest incidence and movement.

For project sponsors, the development of Neighbourhood PestWatch offers ways to:
- increase farmers' voluntary environmental conservation efforts.
- foster a systems approach to sustainable agriculture.
- improve credibility in the community.
- enhance collaboration and communication among local groups and government agencies.
- support locally led environmental conservation and extension activities.