Balasore: A swarm of unidentified pests, most of them looking like bugs have left people living in the Badakhuaadi Dalit hamlet at Jambeswarpur village under Sadar block of in Balasore district, panic-stricken. Locals said hordes of the unidentified pests have completely taken over the hamlet. They pointed out that these pests (black and red coloured), thousands in numbers, have been biting people. These insects have virtually invaded every house and taken over every nook and corner. Those who have been bitten said that they developed swelling and rashes.
Also, the part of the skin bitten turns red and painful. Stunned over the development, some villagers informed the Health department about the development. On being informed, Anganwadi and ASHA workers reached the village and took stock of the situation. A team from the Veterinary department in Balasore also reached the village and reviewed the situation. However, they expressed their inability and helplessness over the matter.
Social activists Shanta das and Sudhakar Sethi said they have informed Krushi Vigyan Kendra belonging to Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar about the pest attack. A special team of OUAT reached the village and after a thorough investigation assured the people that there is nothing much to worry about. They identified the species as ‘pentimide bugs’. Senior resource person and team member Swagatika Sahoo said that the insects are born in dry weather and do not cause much damage.
However, Swagatika urged the residents to remain cautious. She also asked the villagers to keep their houses and surroundings clean and not to dump waste around the village. She said the pests will slowly go away if cleanliness is maintained. Swagatika also stated that these bugs are not health hazards and also do not damage crops.