Farmers are being urged to be on the look out for mice in their paddocks amid reports of increased numbers of the rodents in northern NSW.

Millions of dollars worth of crops were destroyed during last year’s mouse plague, which also caused extensive damage to farm machinery, vehicles and buildings.

NSW Farmers vice-president Xavier Martin is urging farmers to survey their properties for signs of rodent activity to avoid a repeat this year.

“We need everyone to use their chew cards but also to keep an eye out for mice, and report any rise in numbers,” Mr Martin said on Monday.

“Let’s make sure we all get out of the ute and into the paddock to make sure we avoid another plague.”

Chew cards are sheets of paper soaked in canola or linseed oil. they are left in paddocks overnight to monitor fresh mouse activity.

CSIRO research scientist Steve Henry said during last year’s plague it could be hard to notice growing numbers of mice before it became too late to combat them.

“Unless you are out walking through the paddocks, you don’t actually see those signs of activity,” he said.

Some farmers have increased baiting to try to suppress mice numbers.

The NSW government introduced a rebate for zinc phosphide bait last year.

CSIRO data indicated patchy numbers of mice in NSW but Mr Martin said farmers were reporting more rodents on their properties.

“What we don’t want to see is a repeat of last year’s mouse plague, so please if you see something, say something,” Mr Martin said.

A third of the farmers surveyed by NSW Farmers estimated their losses at between $50,000 and $150,000 during last year’s inundation.

-AAP