That will probably happen sometime in June. Control efforts are expected to involve aerial applications of carbaryl bait and, at the last resort, the insecticide malathion. It's hard to say how many acres might be treated this summer in Eastern Oregon, but officials are hopeful the number will stay relatively low. We've had times when we have sprayed up to two million acres of crop and range land together. That's a lot of acres to be treated.
Treated acres is a much smaller number than infested acres.
If the surveys show an infestation of several million acres, the year 2000 could be difficult for many ranchers and farmers in Eastern Oregon. Even though it is the middle of May, it is still too early to call. Millions of dollars have been spent over the years to help scientists predict grasshopper outbreaks. I can do just as well flying by the seat of my pants. That's what four decades of experience dealing with hoppers will do for someone.