26 JANUARY 1998. KENYA: INSECT PESTS

The Associated Press reports that population explosions of orange-and-black beetles Paederus crebinpunctatis and Paederus sabaeus caused by El Nino rains have become a problem in Kenya in Nairobi and parts of the Rift Valley. Crushing the insects releases a a toxin that burns and itches and may cause temporary blindness if it reaches the face.