The hyacinth bugs have started leaving the hyacinth indicating that the plants are dying. Residents around Hartbeespoort have reported swarming of the bugs at residences at night.

Hyacinth coverage on Hartbeespoort Dam is currently around 25% and the plants are rapidly dying. Hyacinth removal is also ongoing.
According to the Centre for Biological Control (CBC) the Megamelus planthoppers have started leaving the plants which indicates that there is not much nutrition left. The plants are turning brown.
“These insects are dispersing away from the damaged plants to find new water hyacinth that are more nutritious. However, they are attracted to lights that interfere with their navigation ability. The insects are host-specific and cannot complete their life cycles on plants other than water hyacinth. They will not damage garden ornamentals or vegetables. However, they may attempt to feed on other plants to get moisture before they fly. This behaviour is purely investigative, and the insects will not survive on other plants. Furthermore, the insects are herbivores and cannot bite. They do not have biting mouthparts. Any reports of bites are from other insects like mosquitoes or biting flies that breed opportunistically in the water hyacinth mats,” the CBC said.
Bear with the bugs, they won’t be around for long and residents will be rewarded with a clear dam again.