Armyworms invade Liberian Villages

Grand Gedeh County in southeastern Liberia has been invaded by millions of armyworms disrupting the life of villagers.

State radio reported that the invading caterpillars or armyworms which are in their millions have forced several villagers to flee their homes, saying the situation was worsening on a daily basis.

“We are talking about caterpillars without wings. They creep from the bushes, use certain liquid from their mouth to penetrate walls and enter homes. They are not really similar to the army worms that invaded Bong County years ago,” state radio quoted a local journalist.

We are talking about caterpillars without wings. They creep from the bushes, use certain liquid from their mouth to penetrate walls and enter homes.

He said when initially affected, villagers began using locally-made chemicals to battle the caterpillars during the day, but usually reinforce during night hours, something which, he noted, continues to pose fear among residents.

“This situation is disturbing to residents because most of them should have by now been heavily engaged with their farming activities but to no avail. They have abandoned their farming activities to battle these caterpillars,” the local journalist indicated.

He said local authorities in Grand Gedeh have begun calling on people residing in the affected towns and villages to move to the capital Zwedru to enable health officials battle the invading caterpillars.