Colorado Beetle Invasion Plagues Lummen Residents: 'We Burn Them'

Residents of Sint-Jansstraat in Lummen, Belgium, are in their second week of battling a relentless invasion of Colorado potato beetles. The insects are swarming en masse from a nearby field, covering house facades and gardens, much to the dismay of the local inhabitants.

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They are really everywhere.

Homeowners like Maggy are resorting to extreme measures. She describes the overwhelming presence of the beetles, stating, "They are really everywhere." She and her husband, Rudi, spend hours each day brushing the insects off their walls and then using a gas blowtorch to burn them. The charred remains are collected in buckets, a grim testament to their ongoing struggle.

"Sometimes I joke that we should put the beetles on the barbecue, then at least we'd have some meat," neighbor Dirk quips, trying to find humor in the unpleasant situation. However, he admits it's not enjoyable to be in the area. His wife, Elly, shares similar frustrations, noting that the beetles have even found their way inside their home and were picked up by their toddler grandchild.

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Sometimes I joke that we should put the beetles on the barbecue, then at least we'd have some meat.

The source of the infestation is believed to be a neighboring cornfield that previously grew potatoes. Residents suspect that unharvested potatoes left in the ground from last year have sprouted, attracting the beetles. Despite their efforts, the residents are unsure how long this ordeal will last, continuing to arm themselves with brushes and blowtorches in the hope of reclaiming their homes and gardens.

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I'm a very clean person and I like things to be spotless, also on my terrace. But now I can't sit outside anymore. It's not cozy.