It is a formidable invasion. In a few years, the caching of the cactus has spread through large regions of Tunisia, ravaging barbarism fig trees and threatening an entire part of agricultural heritage. In Nabeul, the authorities sound the alarm in the face of the resurgence of infestation foci, now out of control.
The Regional Director of Agriculture in Nabeul, Slim Zouari, said that cochenilles in the cactus have been noted in recent months.
Speaking on July 4, 2025 on Mosaic FM, Slim Zouari explained that the authorities had attempted to set up a device aimed at combating the appearance of this insect in Nabeul and stopping its spread.
« After having formed her waxy shell, she sticks to the cactus racket and becomes difficult to remove … The situation has been complicated for a long time. We had warned against the presence of the Cactus Cochet in Nabeul. We have consulted Moroccan experts on this subject … but we were not listened to. And we are now forced to deal with the consequences “He said.
Slim Zouari said that the males were flying and were attracted to light. Their life expectancy is seven hours, but they can travel three to four kilometers. Thus, the Cochet is capable of moving from the cacti located by the roadside or in agricultural areas, up to cities and agglomerations.
The regional director of agriculture in Nabeul said that Governor Hana Chouchani, as well as representatives of municipalities and certain regional administrations, agreed to launch an eradication strategy for contamination homes, consisting in snatching the infested cacti.
Slim Zouari also mentioned the impact of this situation on the harvest of barbarism figs. According to him, it should decrease sharply.
In Nabeul, concern also wins urban areas. It is no longer just farmers who sound the alarm, several inhabitants claim that the cochenilles are now invading the residential districts.
“They infiltrate everywhere, even in our houses », Indigates a resident of the city center, supported video. On social networks, testimonies are multiplying: we see salons, kitchens or balconies literally invaded by these tiny white insects, similar to wadding, but pests. This phenomenon, unprecedented on this scale, accentuates the panic of residents, distraught in front of this invasion which now goes beyond the strictly agricultural framework.
It should be noted that several regions have already been invaded by the caching of the cactus. Since 2021, the insect has been present in Mahdia, Monastir, Sousse, Kairouan, Sfax, Sidi Bouzid, Siliana and Zaghouan.
S.G
