In the Canary Islands of Spain, the threat of locust plagues has become a pressing concern as swarms of short-horned grasshoppers have been reported in popular tourist destinations such as Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura. These insects, though not harmful to humans, pose a significant risk to agriculture, particularly vineyards, especially if the situation worsens.

The locusts are believed to have migrated from the western Sahara, driven by recent warm and wet weather conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as videos showing large swarms of locusts have surfaced on social media, alarming both locals and tourists. The areas most affected include the tourist hotspots of Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Famara, Uga, and Tahíche on Lanzarote.

This situation echoes a similar locust plague that devastated agricultural landscapes in the region two decades ago, raising concerns about the potential economic implications for the islands' tourism-dependent economies. As officials remain vigilant, the implications for local farms and the incoming tourist season hang in the balance, with calls for preventive measures to ensure that agricultural output is not severely impacted.