Beekeepers object to timing of locust-spraying

Several beekeepers have complained against the sudden decision of the center for locust control and research to begin aerial spraying from Wednesday along the coast of Al-Muthailei and Al-Qunfudah.
Stating that the director of the locust control department had assured them that they would be given two week’s notice before aerial spraying is taken up, the beekeepers, caught off-guard by the sudden announcement, said it was very difficult for them to move the beehives in a single day.
Speaking to a local newspaper, Adnan Al-Khan, director of the locust control center, said they had agreed to give the beekeepers an additional three to four days to shift the beehives.
“We did not agree to give them any notice if the spraying is carried out by vehicles,” he said.
The center sent text messages and WhatsApp notices with the names and coordinates of the locations to be sprayed with a view to alerting the beekeepers, he said, adding that the spraying operation will commence on Wednesday and will continue on Thursday and Saturday in areas where locusts have hit the most.

He called on all beekeepers in areas where the spraying will take place to move their beehives or close them firmly for the safety of bees.
He also warned against eating locusts that die following the spraying.