Sarah Stellwagen discusses insect issues in Hurricane Helene Recovery
Sarah Stellwagen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences, was quoted extensively in an article from the Charlotte Observer about the issues from insects as communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
In the article “Helene wrecked their Western NC towns and homes. Then came the bees and fire ants,” Stellwagen reflected on the challenges posed to humans when insects are disturbed by the storm.
“As people are out there moving debris around and getting their property back in order, I think they’re probably coming in contact with these things more than they normally would,” said Stellwagen.
Just like humans, the insects are looking for new homes. “If your habitat was disturbed, you’re going to go out and look for more places to live,” said Stellwagen. Still, the insects play an important role in the ecosystem, moving along waste and rotting materials after the floods receded. “There’s lots of (insects) cleaning up the organic material as well,” said Stellwagen.