The invasion of locusts in southern Ukraine: why the threat will grow in spring

According to glavcom.ua: In the Dnipropetrovsk region and in southern Ukraine, locusts are spreading, which may lead to problems as early as spring. Currently, the eggs of these insects are in the soil, and if the temperature rises, they will start to multiply en masse, threatening the harvest.

Experts advise farmers to monitor the situation in order to detect locust eggs in a timely manner. This year, the eggs have already been laid in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and they will hibernate, turning into larvae in the spring.

“Locust larvae go through several stages of development in 35-45 days and turn into adult individuals. They eat leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits, destroying crops in large areas. Adult individuals can consume food equal to their own weight daily and move dozens of kilometers,” emphasize officials from the State Food and Consumer Service.

Weather conditions complicate the fight against locusts

This year, due to the heat and drought, locusts are actively spreading in the southern part of the country. Experts urge constant monitoring of the insects and timely localization of their breeding sites to avoid significant losses.

The fight against locusts is complicated by restrictions on aviation flights and the lack of proper monitoring in some areas. Farmers will need to make efforts at the local level to reduce the risk of mass reproduction of insects in spring.

With the arrival of spring, the time for the active resurgence of locusts may come, which can threaten the harvest and cause significant losses for the agricultural sector. Therefore, controlling the spread of this pest is an extremely important task for Ukrainian farmers and the authorities, who must ensure proper monitoring and support in the fight against locusts.