How to deal with locusts and save precious crops
In 1785 South Africa was severely affected by voracious insects that covered an area of 5,200 km². In a short period, almost all vegetation was destroyed, so the question of how to deal with locusts is still relevant. Scientists have noticed that lonely individuals coexist completely harmlessly with humans. 
Insect description
The locust is a close relative of everyone's favorite grasshoppers, which live harmlessly in dense grass. It belongs to the Orthoptera order and has a pretty appearance. There are a huge number of insect species.
The most famous are:
- migratory (Asian);
- moroccan;
- italian;
- Siberian;
- rainbow;
- Egyptian;
- blue-winged.
According to scientists, the life cycle of a locust (depending on the species) lasts from 6 to 24 months. A distinctive feature of insects is a large head with pronounced eyes. The body grows up to 5-6 cm. Some species reach 20 cm. There are 6 legs in the lower part. The two front pairs are weak and short. The hind legs are much longer and stronger. They are gracefully bent at the knees.
The upper body is covered with translucent wings, which are practically invisible when folded. They are protected by rigid plates that form the elytra. The color of insects directly depends on the habitat. When individuals gather in flocks, they all acquire the same color. How do locusts breed, and how long does it take to produce full-fledged offspring? Find out what biologists are saying.
Despite its short age, the insect manages to produce offspring, which develops for 30-50 days. The locust lays its eggs in a cocoon, which consists of pieces of soil and brown secretions. It contains about 80 eggs. After that, the adult dies. In spring, eggs form larvae without wings. In the process of development, the locust goes through 5 "periods of life", which are marked by molting. At the last stage, the insect grows wings.
In southern latitudes, the larva develops in about 15 days.
Creation of a dangerous "group"
In the past, farmers did not understand why humble lone insects congregate in large flocks. Such transformation of locusts into a dangerous pest seemed incomprehensible and even "God's punishment." Over time, scientists have figured out several reasons. One of them is the lack of amino acids and organic substances in the body. This occurs during a dry period with a lack of food. Females lay as many eggs as possible, and they develop an acute gluttony. Sultry weather also affects particular activity and aggression.
Insects mercilessly devour grain crops:
- wheat;
- rye;
- oats;
- barley.
Don't pass by the corn sunflower, buckwheat, rice, soy, flax and hops. Swarms of locusts attack clover, alfalfa, and vegetable crops. Cope with fruit trees, berry bushes. First, the "army" goes "on foot." But over time, individuals, spreading their wings, move through the air. Travel speed reaches 15 km / h.During the day, the "flock" is able to overcome about 120 km, destroying all the greenery in its path. The procession continues until the individuals accumulate a sufficient amount of protein. After that, they regain the status of peaceful insects.
How to deal with locusts on large farms
To defeat the enemy requires joint efforts. Therefore, in different regions there are special organizations that study the behavior of locusts. They predict the spread of insects. Determine the possible area of destruction and organize protection options. State services inform farmers in detail how locusts are dangerous to humans and how to deal with them. Thanks to this cooperation, the owners of agricultural land receive timely assistance. And at the moment of the onset of a flock of insect pests, they are ready for "war".
Centralized locust control is carried out by spraying. Chemicals are sprayed over crops using small aircraft or special installations. Since adult insects are resistant to them, the procedure is carried out before the larvae have wings.
The following pesticides are used on large farms:
- "Image";
- "Gladiator KE";
- "Dimilin".
Autumn soil cultivation is carried out as additional protection.
How to deal with locusts in their summer cottages
On the territory of Russia, crops are often destroyed by the Asiatic filly. For example, in the Stavropol Territory, she affected huge plantations of crops. Scientists say that a similar "catastrophe" in this region was recorded 30 years ago. In addition, even single individuals harm garden crops such as melons, cucumbers, beets and cabbage. Therefore, it is important for summer residents to know how to deal with locusts and save the grown crop.
Today, there are various ways to eliminate pest infestations.:
- Since insects lay their eggs in the soil, agricultural land is regularly plowed.
- Some summer residents, especially in vulnerable regions, resort to burning crop residues.
- Even in the summer, after the harvest, the garden is carefully dug up.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of the clutches of a dangerous pest by mechanical means. Therefore, summer residents use chemical measures to control locusts using a number of drugs. The treatment is carried out on the 7th day of the insect infestation, until they have laid eggs.
Karate Zeon
The poison quickly penetrates the protective coating of pests and affects the nervous system. Thanks to this, his appetite is blocked. Over time, a general paralysis of the locust sets in, and it dies.
At home, solutions of different consistency are prepared. For single individuals and larvae, 7 ml of the drug is diluted in 10 liters of pure water. Older insects need 10 ml for the same amount of liquid.
Clotiamet
The drug belongs to a new generation of insecticides. It is used at a time when many larvae appear at the same time. The solution is prepared according to this recipe: 0.5 g of the substance is diluted in 3 liters of water. Shake thoroughly and add another 7 liters. After that, a vegetable garden or sowing plantation is cultivated.
Mospilan
The poison does not have a toxic aroma. However, Mospilan has a neuroparalytic effect on locusts. One spraying procedure protects vegetables, fruits and berries for 30 days. The solution for processing is prepared as follows: 2.5 g of the substance is poured into 1 liter of water. Mix thoroughly, then add another 9 liters.
Metarizine
The substance is made on the basis of living entomopathogenic microorganisms. After processing the plantation, the fungus grows in the soft tissue of the larva. As a result, she dies. "Metarizin" is applied directly to the soil during a thorough digging. 5-10 g of substance is enough for one hundred square meters.
If desired, the substance is mixed with fertilizers or added to water for irrigation.
Having considered how to deal with locusts in the country and large agricultural farms, he understands his superiority over pests. The main thing is to choose a chemical preparation wisely. And also use a mechanical method for the destruction of larvae. The great commander Alexander Suvorov once said: "He who knows how to wait has everything on time." Let us carefully guard our site.