How a record locust outbreak is ravaging the US

A locust outbreak that already affects at least 15 states has been wreaking havoc on crops and pastures in the American West, competing with livestock for food and leaving a trail of millions of dollars in damage.

These insects are native to the region, and their population is usually controlled. But, according to scientists, there was an explosion this year, exacerbated by drought and historic heatwaves.

The Animal and Plant Sanitary Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency linked to the United States Department of Agriculture responsible for the control of diseases and pests, has already treated more than 325,000 hectares with insecticides in a campaign to suppress the population of locusts and so-called Mormon crickets (Anabrus Simplex), which are also common in the region and have caused similar damage this year.

According to APHIS national policy director Bill Wesela, this treatment will protect more than 650,000 hectares. However, several other actions are planned in several states, as more farmers and ranchers are asking the agency for help to control the problem.

Wesela recalls that the last major locust suppression campaign in the region was in 2010, when the locust outbreak was the biggest in 35 years. At the time, more than 400,000 hectares were treated, enough to protect 800,000 hectares.

The full magnitude of the problem this year will only become clear in a few months.

“This year’s infestation is still evolving and will not be complete until late summer (in the northern hemisphere),” Wesela tells BBC News Brasil.

Source: G1

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https://g1.globo.com/economia/agronegocios/noticia/2021/07/13/como-surto-recorde-de-gafanhotos-esta-devastando-eua.ghtml

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