21.07.2026 09:50
Recently, images of locusts from many provinces in Turkey have raised questions like "Has a locust invasion begun?" while the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry made the expected statement. In the statement, the ministry said, "No locust invasion threatening agricultural production has been detected. There is no locust invasion in swarms from the Balkans or Africa."
In recent days, images of grasshoppers shared from many provinces of Turkey have brought up the question, "Has a locust invasion begun?" while the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry made a statement on the issue.
The Ministry stated that there is no locust invasion threatening agricultural production and reported that the grasshoppers in the images are native species naturally found in our country.
STATEMENT ON "LOCUST INVASION" ALLEGATIONS
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issued a statement regarding posts on some media outlets and social media platforms in recent days claiming a "locust invasion" in Istanbul and surrounding provinces. The Ministry's statement included the following expressions: "In recent days, due to posts on some media outlets and social media platforms claiming a 'locust invasion' in Istanbul and surrounding provinces, the need to make this statement has arisen.
"ALL GRASSHOPPERS BELONG TO NATIVE POPULATIONS"
As a result of inspections and monitoring by our Ministry teams, no locust invasion threatening agricultural production or grasshopper population causing economic damage has been detected in the Marmara Region, particularly in Istanbul and Tekirdağ. In the species identification of the grasshoppers appearing in the images reflected in the public, it has been determined that all of them belong to native populations naturally found in our country.
THE SPECIES OF THE GRASSHOPPER IN THE IMAGES HAS BEEN DETERMINED
Therefore, contrary to the claims, there is no locust invasion reaching our country in swarms from the Balkans, Africa, or any other region. The species detected in Istanbul has been identified as the white-faced bush grasshopper (Decticus albifrons), which does not harm agricultural production but instead contributes to biological balance by feeding on agricultural pests.
Many grasshopper species naturally live in our country. Depending on climatic conditions and especially their breeding periods, periodic increases in populations of some species can be observed; they can be carried into residential areas by the wind, and due to their tendency to move toward light in hot weather, they are more frequently noticed by our citizens. This situation is a natural process and does not mean an invasion. As the Ministry, grasshopper populations are regularly monitored by our technical teams operating in all 81 provinces within the scope of the Annual Plant Health Control Program.
"STUDIES INTENSIFIED IN ISTANBUL AND TEKIRDAĞ"
Due to recent reports, our studies in Istanbul and Tekirdağ have been further intensified. If species that could harm agricultural production reach the economic damage threshold, necessary control measures are implemented without delay. Currently, there is no situation requiring such intervention. Our Ministry will continue to carry out monitoring, surveillance, and control efforts for the protection of plant production in line with scientific principles. Respectfully announced to the public."