Asturias authorities mobilize to combat soldier‑worm infestation in Tineo village

A massive invasion of soldier‑worm larvae has plagued the rural hamlet of Folgueras de Cornás in the municipality of Tineo, Asturias. Residents reported thousands of larvae entering the house through doors, windows and ventilation shafts, forcing them to abandon the home temporarily after ten days of relentless infestation. The larvae also damaged nearby rye and corn fields, creating an unbearable odor from the accumulation of dead insects.

Local occupants attempted to seal entry points and used commercially purchased insecticide, but the infestation continued unabated. After the situation was publicised, the Asturian regional government intervened. The director‑general of Livestock and Animal Health, Rocío Huerta, offered collaboration to the affected families and the town council, providing guidance on authorized sanitising products and arranging sampling of the larvae for laboratory analysis. Municipal officials, including the mayor of Tineo and regional deputies, have called for clearer protocols and early‑detection measures to mitigate future outbreaks.

The regional authorities are now coordinating pest‑control actions on both the affected property and surrounding public areas, aiming to minimise further damage and restore normalcy for the community.