Updating The Biblical Plagues
Plagues of locusts are so yesterday. In these modern times we have modern plagues. Like caterpillars. Billions and billions of caterpillars. A few of the critters can eat as much grass in a day as a cow.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - It has all the makings of a potential rangeland disaster: thousands of acres of grass and the herds of cattle, antelope and other animals that need to eat it versus an emerging army of spiky caterpillars with voracious appetites. But ranchers hope quick action will take care of the caterpillars — also known as range worms — before they can destroy pastures in northeastern New Mexico.
Some ranchers are trying to keep the caterpillars at bay using crop-dusters, pickup trucks outfitted with foggers and an insecticide called permethrin.
They've already sprayed 108,000 acres and have at least 40,000 acres to go, Union County extension agent David Graham said Tuesday.
"We're trying to knock them back," he said as he prepared for another day of spraying.
While ranchers in northeastern New Mexico regularly live with range caterpillars, Graham said the latest invasion was "the worst case we've had in 10 years."
Entomologists say recent moisture and the resulting green pastures could help this year's caterpillar population, but ranchers' efforts and natural predators could keep them in check.
(I just searched a number of media outlets in New Mexico hoping to find some video or photographs. Every one I checked is carrying the AP story with no local coverage at all. And they are right there. If you needed any proof of media laziness, there it is.) Where I live we are having some problems with tent caterpillars. Talk about voracious. Those suckers will strip a branch of leaves literally while you watch.
By sam, Thursday, 12 July , 2007 @ 2:42 pm
They need to get that guy on the Travel Channel that travels around eating disgusting stuff. It might take a few days though.