Why Ukraine is facing a locust invasion: scientist explains

Spread of locusts in Ukraine

According to glavcom.ua: In June and July, throughout Ukraine, particularly in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Vinnytsia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, people noticed an increase in locust populations. Dense groups of these insects were recorded in Zaporizhzhia region. Recently, residents of Dnipropetrovsk region began sharing photos of these pests on social media. Biologist Viktor Brihadirenko, an associate professor at the Dnipro National University named after O. Honchar, spoke about the possible reasons for this insect spread.

According to Viktor Brihadirenko, under stable weather conditions, normal enemies of locusts cannot control their population due to climate changes. Therefore, the increased number of parasites that should destroy locust eggs helps these pests to reproduce faster.

❗️Zaporizhzhia is being attacked by locusts. Dnipropetrovsk region is also at risk pic.twitter.com/UBWRUDHZeW

— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) July 20, 2025

Terrible consequences of mass locust invasion

The scientist warns that locusts can lead to terrible consequences as they damage grain crops, which are the first to come under attack. After destroying the grains, locusts may begin to attack other types of crops, leading to significant losses in agriculture.

Locusts actively reproduce in moist soils with rich grassy vegetation, often observed along riverbanks. Changes in climate contribute to a decrease in the number of natural enemies of locusts, significantly increasing their population.

The spread of locusts across Ukraine has become a problem due to climate changes that allow these harmful insects to reproduce faster without facing resistance from natural enemies. This can lead to significant losses in agriculture and threaten crops.