Millions of Sterile Worms Fight Back Against Invasive Pest

Millions of Sterile Worms Dropped Weekly Over Colombia in Unusual Pest Control Effort The United States government is engaged in an unusual but highly effective pest control program. Every week, 14.7 million sterilized screwworms are released over the Darien Gap region of Colombia. This unusual method is part of a decades-long effort to eradicate the screwworm, a parasitic fly that inflicts gruesome injuries on livestock and even humans. "As crazy as it sounds, it's actually been a really successful eradication effort," explains Zeke Darwin, a science teacher in a recent TikTok video. Darwin's video, which has garnered significant attention, details the history of the program, which began in the 1950s. The strategy involves releasing large numbers of sterile male screwworms, which mate with females, preventing reproduction and leading to a decline in the pest population. The success of this method is evident in the geographical maps shown in Darwin’s video, illustrating how the screwworm population has been pushed southward over the years. By 2001, the pest had been effectively eradicated from the United States. However, recent reports indicate a resurgence of screwworm activity in Mexico, prompting the continued release of sterilized insects over the Darien Gap as a preventative measure. The USDA has confirmed the ongoing effort, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tackling this agricultural threat. The continued vigilance and innovative approach highlight the commitment to protecting livestock and human health.