Weather condition a factor for caterpillar invasion: Agriculture dept

KUALA LUMPUR: The transition from dry to rainy season is among factors for the black caterpillar attack in the mangrove areas in Kampung Tepi Laut, Mukim Tebengau in Kuala Kedah, Kedah, recently.
The Agriculture Department in a statement today said the attack by the pest in the thousands, also known as teak defoliator, is also due to the depleting food source, like teak and Avicennia, that are normally found near the village, resulting in the worms to look for new source of food in Kampung Tepi Laut.
"The pest is found in the tropical areas and lives in the mangrove swamp areas.
"It is the major pest of teak trees and a minor pest to more than 45 types of plants, mainly forest or mangrove swamp trees, like the Avicennia," it said.
Prior to this, the media reported that black caterpillars invaded the roads and trees in the village, as well as in vehicles and houses that it affected a wedding ceremony of a resident in the village last Nov 27.
The caterpillars were destroyed using pesticide by the Plant Biosecurity Division of the Agricultural Department on Nov 29.
He said the attack by the caterpillars could recur and the public are advised to conduct the division at 03-2030 1400 or the nearest agriculture office. — Bernama