July 28, 1999
If you've been battling grasshoppers this summer and losing, help could finally be on the way.
The Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food has petitioned the Governor to declare a disaster area in places effected by the insects.
News Specialist Karen Scullin has the story.
You have to see it to believe it. But let's put things into perspective.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Food, eight grasshoppers per square yard is considered an infestation. Some people in Tooele and Box Elder Counties are battling up to 200 per square yard. But finally at least a little help could be on the way.
R.J. Scott tries to take good care of the garden he planted, but it's a battle he's been losing for three months.
R.J. Scott/Fighting Grasshoppers: WHAT'S THE NET FOR? TO KEEP THE GRASSHOPPERS OFF. IS IT WORKING? NO."
Toni Scott/Fighting Grasshoppers: WE WERE SPRAYING EVERY MORNING AND EVERY NIGHT BUT WE DECIDED WE WEREN'T DOING MUCH GOOD AND WE WERE JUST SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY.
And now the government may spend a lot of money to take care of the problem . Had they listened to the warnings, the estimated $15 million bill probably would have been cheaper.
Larry Lewis/Ut. Dept. of Agriculture and Food: WE SAW IT COMING, WE TRIED TO GET THE MONEY APPROPRIATED FAST ENOUGH TO DO SOME GOOD. BUT SOMETIMES THE WHEELS TURN TOO SLOWLY."
With grass, gardens and shrubs gone, the money may just be too little too late. But at least getting rid of the nuisance may be a big help.
Toni Scott: I CAN'T LET THE KIDS PLAY OUTSIDE ABOUT THIS TIME OF NIGHT THEY START ROOSTING ON THE SWINGSET OUT BACK AND THEY JUST TAKE OVER EVERYTHING.
Larry Lewis: SO WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS TO GENERATE SOME EMERGENCY FUNDS SO WE CAN STEP IN AND PROTECT THE SUBURBAN HOMEOWNER."
But the money would also be used on the nearby fields. 17 thousand acres have been sprayed but one million acres still need to be sprayed. It may not help much this year, but Lewis says they need to wipe out the eggs that are already there so they don't hatch and create another grasshopper invasion next year.
Obviously farmers have really suffered through this. Again, the economic loss to alfalfa and grain commodities in Toele and Box Elder Counties is $15-million. Farmers can apply for assistance by calling the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
