Locust infestation closes Miramar’s Monarch Lakes Park. Here’s what we know
Miramar park officials announced the temporary closure of Monarch Lakes Park after a large presence of locusts was discovered in the area this week.
The public is being asked to avoid the park, which remains closed Friday, March 6. The park closed March 5 so pest control crews could treat what they described as a locust infestation affecting grassy and landscaped areas throughout the park at 2150 SW 136th Ave.
In a notice to the public, officials said the temporary closure was to allow treatment crews to reduce the insect population and protect the park’s vegetation.
The park will reopen when the infestation is brought under control.
Locusts are a type of grasshopper known for their ability to form large groups when environmental conditions are favorable. When populations increase and moist food is abundant, they can gather in significant numbers and feed on vegetation.
Locust infestations can be detected by the distinct buzzing sound in the air as the insects move through the grass and trees.
Experts say warm temperatures combined with recent rainfall across South Florida may have created conditions that allowed the insects to multiply quickly.
While large-scale locust swarms are more commonly associated with regions such as Africa and the Middle East, smaller localized infestations can occur in parts of the United States, particularly in warm climates where grasshopper populations thrive.
City officials encouraged residents to report unusually large insect gatherings to the parks department as crews continue to monitor the situation.
