Giant locusts, which are said to have entered the Marmara Region via the Balkans, caused panic in Istanbul. Large grasshoppers seen on windows, balconies and inside houses in many districts of the megacity, allegedly reaching sizes of up to 25 centimeters from time to time, worried the citizens. While “invasion” posts were growing like an avalanche on social media, a heart-warming statement came from experts but containing critical warnings.
“NOT INVASION, BUT SOCIAL MEDIA PERCEPTION”
Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Forestry Vocational School Lecturer Dr. Ergün Bacak stated that most of these creatures that create panic are “white-faced bush grasshoppers” (decticus albifrons albifrons). Stating that the species reaches a length of 5-6 centimeters under normal conditions, Bacak explained the magnitude of the perception with the following words: “It attracts people’s attention due to its large structure, long antennas and strong legs. However, this species is not an invading grasshopper. Maybe one or two individuals enter everyone’s home. With the influence of social media, a perception is created as if there is a huge grasshopper invasion; this is definitely not the case.”
WHY DO THEY ENTER OUR HOMES?
Dr. underlines that locusts should not be confused with desert locusts that damage agricultural areas. Bacak said that these creatures benefit the ecosystem, not harm it. So, why do these locusts appear in houses? Dr. Bacak collects the reasons under two main headings:
- Urbanization Pressure: Human encounters with wildlife have increased as a result of the intertwining of natural and agricultural areas with residential areas. Districts such as Silivri, Çatalca and Arnavutköy, where the shares are concentrated, are the clearest examples of this situation.
- Light Trap: This species of grasshopper is active at night. Creatures that navigate in nature by following the stars and moonlight enter houses by being deceived by the artificial lights leaking from the windows. In other words, their purpose is not to search for food, but only to turn to light.
CRITICAL WARNING: DO NOT HOLD WITH BARE HANDS!
Emphasizing that citizens should not panic and kill animals, Dr. Ergün Bacak also gave a very important practical warning: “Do not try to catch grasshoppers with your bare hands. Although it is not a harmful or disease-carrying species, it can bite to defend itself when handled incorrectly. This does not cause a big problem for adults, but it can hurt children. The best thing to do is to catch a grasshopper seen at home with the help of a jar or plastic container and leave it in the nearest green area.”
THE INTENSE WILL END IN A FEW WEEKS
Experts state that this density is a temporary period and say that some locust populations peak every 5-6 years and this year probably coincides with such a cycle. It is predicted that the density of these creatures, which mature as temperatures increase, will decrease and return to normal in the next few weeks.
