Bali Plagued by Deadly Caterpillars
Bali's Crops and Fruit Trees Under Threat from Massive
Infestation of Caterpillars.
(4/16/2011) A growing plague of
caterpillars is threatening to assume Biblical proportions as it
spreads across the Indonesian archipelago, destroying valuable
fruit and trees in its wake.
Three distinct varieties of insidious caterpillars have been
identified in the spreading crisis – two of which attach and kill
valuable Mango trees. The caterpillars, which cause skin
irritations in contact with humans, has now been documented in six
of Bali's nine regencies.
Over 70 plant and pestilence experts are now investigating the
caterpillars in Bali and how best to halt their spread which has
already reached Denpasar, Buleleng, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem
and Klungkung.
The rapid spread of the caterpillars is blamed by experts on the
headlights of automobiles where the moths who lay the eggs of the
pestilence take refuge, hitching a ride to their next area of
infestation.
Scientists at Bali's Udayana University are busily formulating
scientific tactics to eradicate the caterpillars.
But, while some seek the perfect insecticide to destroy the
caterpillars, officials in some areas of Bali are urging their
citizens to gather the furry insects and eat them.
Some media reports blame the sudden explosion of the caterpillars
on the diminishing population of birds that once controlled the
pest.