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| Locust invasion in parts of Meru and Tharaka nithi |
Residents in parts of Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties are a worried lot following locust invasion in the region.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, residents said the locusts now pose as a threat to their farms.
Affected areas in Tharaka Nithi County include Mauthini, Kamacabi and Kamutuandu.
In Meru County, areas affected include Kisimani along the Tigania-Igembe border, Ndamuuru, Amwathi and adjacent semi-arid areas.
With some locals staring at an imminent invasion, efforts are ongoing to avert further crisis in the region.
At the same time, officials from both counties said they will oversee a spraying exercise starting next week to drive away the tree locusts.
Meanwhile, Meru County Chief Officer Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries James Mutia said they are aware of the situation, promising prompt action.
“Some farmers confuse desert locusts with other grasshopper species like tree locusts,” Mutia said.
Tree locusts migrate in swarms mostly at night, whereas desert locusts migrate during daytime.
Physically, tree locusts appear bigger in size compared to desert locusts.
BY CITIZEN DIGITAL
