Due to the extreme heat in Argentina in recent days, thousands of Rhino Beetles infested many houses, parks and gardens in the cities of Santa Isabel, Telen, Victoria and Carro Quemado in La Pampa state. While having ability to fly, the female species of the Rhino Beetles hid in the attics in the cities to hide from the sun during the day. Some residents reported damage to the roofs of their homes and clogged sewer systems due to the weight of the insects. Santa Isabel Mayor Christian Echegaray said the insects fell on the roofs like hail and hit the windshields of vehicles in traffic.
Meanwhile, residents in the region are trying every method to get rid of the insects. Some residents said they collect insects from the roofs of their houses, gardens and pools, but them in boxes and leave them in places far from their cities. Authorities said they kept the city lights off to get rid of the insects that coming to the light at night, and they lit fire in barrels away from the cities. Rhino Beetles reproduce every year in this season and emerge from the soil, according to Authorities. Also they told this year’s heavy rain and hot weather caused the insects to reproduce in an excessive amount.