Saudi Gazette report TAIF — The Agricultural Directorate in Taif has asked the public to refrain from collecting locusts or eating them as swarms of the insects have been sprayed with pesticides and can be hazardous to humans. The large grasshoppers are edible insects and are considered a delicacy in Saudi Arabia. There have been references to their consumption as food throughout history. The directorate has also intensified its efforts to combat locust swarms that have reached Al-Shafa, Al-Hada and other areas of the governorate. The head of the directorate, Mumood Al-Tuwairqi, said four teams have been commissioned to monitor the swarms that will be sprayed with pesticides when they leave residential areas. He asked the public to notify the directorate of any locust swarms by calling its toll free number: 800-2470000.
