An endless carpet of locusts covers the Argentine sky

These insects do not pose a direct danger to humans or animals, but they can cause serious damage to crops

The spread of insects from the Acrididae family occurs periodically in various parts of the world. Recently, the provinces of Córdoba, La Rioja, and Catamarca in Argentina have been grappling with an invasion of tens of millions of these creatures.

The locusts involved in this invasion belong to the South American species, Schistocerca cancellata, known for their plant-based diet and ability to form enormous swarms that can devastate crops rapidly. Another notable characteristic of these locusts is their capacity to travel up to 93 miles in a single day.

Argentina’s Ministry of Bioagriculture, in collaboration with the National Service of Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), is closely monitoring the situation. The goal is to track the locusts’ movements and assess the need for potential control measures.

Citizens can also contribute by reporting sightings via WhatsApp at 11 5700-5704 or calling the toll-free number 0800-999-2386.

The role of winds

Winds from the north can influence the movement of locusts, pushing them southward and potentially into urban areas. Authorities are considering this possibility and are prepared to take appropriate measures.

In the event of swarm sightings, the Ministry has urged citizens to report their presence using the communication channels provided by the authorities. “It is important to provide precise information on the location and size of the swarm to facilitate monitoring and potential control intervention,” explained the ministry.

Precautions and reassurances

Locusts do not pose a direct threat to humans or animals as they do not transmit diseases. However, their presence in large swarms can cause significant damage to crops. The Locust Alert System (SAL), implemented by SENASA, plays a crucial role in this effort, allowing for constant monitoring of the situation.

The south american locust: a familiar threat

The spread of enormous swarms of South American locusts has plagued Argentina for decades. For example, Córdoba experienced significant invasions in 2017 and 2020. The current situation, the Ministry confirmed, has been exacerbated by winds from La Rioja and Catamarca, which have directed the locust swarms toward the province’s center.