Moth invasion shuts down Trinmar platform

The invasion of moths, which began on Monday night, also forced students at four schools — Cedros Composite School, Cedros Anglican Primary School, Cedros Government Primary School and the Lahmaben RC School to evacuate. The moths cause itching and abrasions on the skin.

Public health inspectors yesterday advised residents in Cedros to stay indoors and shut windows and doors to prevent contact with the moths. The moths, known as the Hylesia metabus, are suspected to have come from Venezuela. Officers at Cedros Police Station were also affected, forcing them to leave the station room. The officers’ operations were relocated to an upstairs room in the station’s dormitory. Officers complained of an itch. Contact with a powdery substance from the moth’s wings causes a rash.

In a release yesterday, Trinmar stated that its offshore facilities had become "heavily infested with migratory moths." The company had engaged in decontamination procedures, according to the release. It stated: "Employees who normally function at the Marine Base were advised to return home yesterday morning and have been requested to report for duty on October 12."