Locust plague worst in years

KAROO NEWS - The locust plague currently in the Camdeboo district is described as the worst in the last 13 years. This plague broke out along with the arrival of armyworms in these grasslands and pastures.

The armyworm plague appears to be under control, but Philip Kemp, who has been contracted by the government to combat the locusts, said on Monday 20 April that he and his teams are fighting furiously to bring the plague on farms surrounding Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda, Kredouw and Jansenville under control.

Kemp said that, for the first time in about 13 years, the climatic conditions are ideal for the grasshoppers to breed at its current rate.

He said at they are currently spraying insecticide on farms like Doornberg (Nieu-Bethesda), as well as Ryneath and Kransplaas outside Graaff-Reinet, with more farmers waiting for him and his teams to come and spray on their farms.

The locust plague broke out weeks after rain brought hope to the drought-stricken areas.