Great swarms of locusts in Australia

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In summary, Australia is currently facing a major issue with locust swarms, causing struggles for farmers who were just beginning to recover from previous disasters. The conditions that were aiding the recovery have also contributed to the locust problem. The conversation also touches on the need to change the misleading title of the forum thread.
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Ivan Seeking
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In the eye of the swarm

All over eastern Australia farmers are struggling to cope with great swarms of locusts. But where do these plagues come from?

The insect swarms could not have come at a worse time for the farmers, who were only just recovering from bushfires and the worst drought to hit the country in 100 years.

Unfortunately, it is precisely the conditions that were helping them to recover - a little rain, the growth of new shoots - that have also created the locust problem. [continued]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3583337.stm
 
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  • #2
I think this thread has a slightly misleading title.
 
  • #3
Yes it is. Monique will have to change the title as it appears in the forum. I can only change the title on my own post once you posted. :redface:
 
  • #4
What do you want it so say?
 
  • #5
Great swarms of locusts in Australia

or whatever sounds appropriate.
 

What are locusts?

Locusts are a type of grasshopper that have the ability to swarm together in large numbers. They are known for their destructive feeding habits, as they can consume large amounts of crops and vegetation in a short period of time.

Why are there great swarms of locusts in Australia?

The presence of great swarms of locusts in Australia is primarily due to favorable weather conditions. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall can create ideal breeding and feeding grounds for locusts.

What impact do these swarms have on the environment?

Great swarms of locusts can have a significant impact on the environment. They can destroy crops and vegetation, leading to food shortages for both humans and animals. They can also disrupt ecosystems by consuming large amounts of plants and potentially causing imbalances in the food chain.

Can the swarms be controlled?

Yes, great swarms of locusts can be controlled through various methods. These include the use of pesticides, biological control methods (such as introducing natural predators), and cultural control methods (such as plowing the land to disrupt breeding sites).

Are there any health risks associated with these swarms?

While locusts themselves do not pose a direct health risk to humans, the use of pesticides to control them can have negative effects on human health and the environment. It is important to follow safety guidelines when using pesticides to minimize these risks.

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