The Pest Advice

Christmas is almost upon us and with the cooking of turkeys all over the world there is the increased risk of infestations of turkey locusts.

Turkey locusts can be identified by bright crowns on the top of the head. The crowns are papery in nature and can be of many different colours. Some locusts have also been known to have fluffy red and white caps, it is thought that these might be King locusts known as Santas.

Infestations are most likely on Christmas Day but it has been known for infestations to break out sporadically coming up to Christmas; often where work colleagues gather at restaurants and hotels. After Christmas the locusts are likely to linger on for Boxing Day and the next few days, all the way to New Year. But after Christmas Day the locusts tend to become slow and can often be seen to wobble when walking and many are not able to walk at all.

Turkey locusts are hard to get rid of and they are likely to consume large quantities food of all sorts, not just turkey. They may also consume large quantities of liquids containing ethanol. It is advisable to keep such liquids locked away and only bring them out after checking the house thoroughly for any signs of locusts. Locust infestations are liable to spread rapidly, particularly between close friends and families. Locusts often travel from one home to another, only moving on when there is no more food or ethanol available.

The best way to prevent locusts infesting your home is not to have any food or ethanol in your home to attract them. However this makes for a sad Christmas so I suggest metamorphosing into a locust yourself and find a suitable home or homes to infest. I have found the best opportunities for infestation are family and friends.

Kiwicare wishes you a very Merry Christmas whether you are a locust or you are having an infestation.