Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad   

Cotton aphids invade twin cities

Protection: A woman in Hubli masking her face to keep off cotton aphids

HUBLI: Even as residents of twin cities are trying to cope with the problem of dust, they are pestered by swarms of aphids.

There has been a sudden increase in the number of these insects in the past few days, and they are proving to be a nuisance to all, especially pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. One has to be careful to prevent these insects from getting into the eyes, nose or mouth. Some people get an itching sensation if the insects sit on uncovered skin.

Locally called “sasya henu”, the scientific name of the insect is Aphis gossyphii. They are commonly known as the cotton aphid or the melon aphid.

The sudden rise in their numbers has been attributed to the cotton season and the low temperature. Bales of cotton have been piled up at various places in the twin cities by merchants and by those running ginning mills.

Although the insects do not pose a serious health hazard, experts have advised people to use spectacles and masks or cover the nose and mouth with a handkerchief or piece of cloth, especially while riding.

The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has issued a press release saying that these insects proliferate during the beginning of the winter season, and they are not a health hazard.

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