Posted by David S. on September 24, 2015 at 01:59:42
I heard that the eradication of our latest pest, the Asian Fruit Fly, might involve aerial spraying of insecticide. I also heard they might use a non- selective insecticide like Malathion, to spray. Malathion is a dangerous poison that kills many other types of insects, some beneficial, and can also make humans and other animals sick. This would be disastrous for our migrating birds and other insectivores. Right now, the county has baited traps in the quarantine area and in some locations outside the area. All fruit and produce cannot leave the area. Authorities fear this pest will cause great harm to the agriculture community of South Dade. This insect attacks a large range of plants and trees that are grown down here. Maybe TAS should be an active participant in any decisions that the agriculture community makes when they use extreme measures and get serious about eradication of the fruit fly. At least they shouldn't spray until fall migration is over and not spray during spring migration. The agriculture community has a poor track record when it comes to the environment, especially when it involves the use of chemicals.