The U.S. government plans to release sterilized flies to combat screwworm pests in Texas and northern Mexico.
HOUSTON — It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s real: The U.S. government is preparing to release billions of sterilized flies from airplanes over parts of Texas and northern Mexico.
The unusual operation is a critical part of a strategy to combat the spread of the flesh-eating screwworm fly, a pest that poses a serious threat to the beef industry, wildlife, and even household pets.
The targeted release area focuses primarily on South Texas and the U.S.–Mexico border region.
Why flies are being dropped
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to breed massive numbers of adult male flies and then sterilize them using radiation. These sterile males will then be released into the wild where they will mate with female screwworm flies. Because the sterilized males cannot fertilize eggs, no larvae hatch — effectively reducing the population over time.
The goal is to gradually eliminate the screwworm threat in these areas without the use of pesticides.
When will it happen?
According to the USDA, the aerial drops are expected to begin around July of next year.
The screwworm fly has long been a concern for agriculture and animal health experts. Its larvae can infest wounds in warm-blooded animals, causing severe tissue damage and potentially death if left untreated.
By targeting the screwworm population now, officials hope to prevent a widespread outbreak that could devastate ranching operations and local wildlife in the region.
This large-scale bio-control project represents one of the most significant efforts to protect both livestock and public health across southern Texas.