Thread by @MalekRobert

We are supposed to preserve our natural biodiversity, especially that which concerns natural enemies of insects that are harmful to our crops, oak trees and pine groves.
But when an insect becomes a public nuisance and invades people's houses, dealing with it becomes tricky.

https://twitter.com/alextohme/status/1261249844410306561

Calosoma beetles feed on the pine processionary moth (دودة الصندل) and on the gypsy moth which causes severe defoliation of oak forests. In the early 1900s Calosoma beetles were mass released to control the above-mentioned pests in Minnesota and in other places.

Under certain environmental conditions, their numbers increase dramatically and they start causing public annoyance as we're seeing in the Bekaa.

Mass sprays are an easy and immediate solution, but can cause severe ecological disturbances. The excessive use of insecticides is suspected to be a main driver of the global insect decline, not to mention the effects on human health and on other ecological services...

Back to our beetles, they don't reproduce indoors, they don't bite or sting humans, nor do they transfer diseases. They might release an unpleasant odor upon contact, in nature this acts as a defense mechanism against other predators.

Raising public awareness on their ecological significance and the services they provide is essential. It might not completely change public opinion, but would definitely make people pause and think on how to best deal with them.

Sealing cracks in windows and enteryways helps keep them outside. Reducing the level of outdoor lighting prevents them from being attracted to your structure.This may reduce indoor infestation, especially when coupled with perimeter sprays of diluted ethanol and/or diluted soap.

If the situation becomes unbearable, localized insecticide sprays are warranted. Not to be confused with aerial sprays that do not discriminate between friend and foe.
#agrinerds
@MouhanedD @souhad_16 @Ibrakhim_Aya