"I was well and truly snoring, but I've never moved so fast my entire life. It felt like like someone drove a pickaxe into the back of my head."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Piambong man was bitten by a mouse while he slept while others are being driven to the edge financially and mentally as mice continue to multiply and rampage throughout the Mudgee region and the Central West with no end seemingly in sight.
These issues compound the huge financial costs that burden regional families, already ravaged by bushfires and drought.
It's been a devastating blow for farmers whose crops have finally taken off, only to be destroyed by hordes of mice. Not to mention their stored hay and grain supplies, which have been decimated by the rodents.
Mr Madden said the survey results also showed the costs of baiting for some farmers has exceeded $150,000, with 30% having spent between $20,000 and $150,000 already.
CWA CEO Danica Leys said the social and mental health impacts on farmers, their families and rural communities were also rising sharply.
"A staggering 97% of the survey respondents felt the influx of mice is affecting their stress levels making farm business decisions," Mrs Leys said.
"People are having issues with sleeping, which we all know as a significant impact on mental and physical health."
Barry Wade was sound asleep in Piambong, when he was awoken by a "savage bite", that sent him flying out of bed.
"I was well and truly snoring, but I've never moved so fast my entire life. It felt like like someone drove a pickaxe into the back of my head," he said.
"They're eating anything, and I've got a bald patch which might have made a difference."
Mr Wade has since found it difficult to fall asleep, as he fears another mouse might attack him.
"You get sick of going to the trap all the time, you put it down and within less than a minute it's gone off again," he said.
"If you leave the mouse in a trap longer than two minutes, half of it's gone because they're eating each other while they're stuck in the trap. They've turned cannibalistic, because there's so many of them."
Grains Committee chairman Matthew Madden said a third of respondents to a NSW Farmers survey reported estimated financial losses between $50,000 and $150,000.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below