03/04/08 Creepy Crawlies

Creepy crawly things that chomp in the night. Sound like the opening for Tales from the Crypt? It's actually the newest boon to the American farmer. The Asian flying cockroach. Just the name brings a shudder doesn't it? But these little buggers, unlike their cousins the German cockroach, have farmers down south shaking their heads in amazement and appreciation. Seems the Asian cockroach has an insatiable appetite for pests that are harmful to crops, such as the bollworm and the beet armyworm which can destroy cotton, soybean, corn, tomato and a variety of other crops. Yes, they do come out at night, but no they aren't after the chicken wings you left on the kitchen counter. But unless you are one of the very strong at heart I wouldn't suggest waiting around for these guys to come out at night. With as many as 100 roaches possible per square meter even the biggest and burliest farm hand might be seen running for cover.