The Intense One-Day War Record Against the Great Insect Army that Attacked the Plant Factory

Hello everyone! I’m Shohei.
This column is written mainly based on my field experience.
After being on site for over 10 years, there are truly many things that happen. I’m writing about things I remember, as they come to mind.
Well, please read it casually, like “Oh, so that’s how other factories are.”

Premonition of Strangeness—Factory Morning Shrouded in Gray

That morning right after the end of the rainy season, the intuition that “something was wrong” I felt the moment I stepped out of my car turned out to be accurate for the first time in my life.

The area around the factory, which should normally present a refreshing morning scene, somehow appeared hazy. Poor visibility? Pollen?

No, that wasn’t it. Something like a gray cloud was floating above the rice fields and waterways surrounding the plant factory where I work. But it wasn’t a cloud—it was a massive swarm of tiny insects, neither mosquitoes nor moths. Faced with this scene straight out of a sci-fi panic movie, I couldn’t help but rub my eyes.

“No way… are these all insects?”

Sci-Fi Panic Movie Becomes Reality

Mass emergence at seasonal transitions is part of nature’s order. But what was unfolding before my eyes could only be described as an “insect apocalypse,” far beyond the level of natural order.

Normally, my position is that “insects entering from outside don’t become a major problem.” I’ve written this on our website and in books about plant factories. Little did I know that this position was about to collapse in an instant.

At the back of the factory, there is a small gap at the receiving entrance facing the waterway. This gap, which I see every day, was something I usually dismissed with “Well, this much shouldn’t be a problem.” In retrospect, it was like a “red carpet invitation” for insects.

The Grand March of Uninvited Guests

What greeted me as I rushed to the receiving entrance was truly a scene from hell. Countless insects were passing through the small gap, forming lines as they invaded. A “carpet” of insects already covered the floor and walls, with some flying through the air.

“This is… bad.”

No one else had arrived at the site yet. I was the only one to protect the plants. Suppressing the urge to panic, I decided that taking action was the only option.

Operation Failure—The Tragedy of Adhesive Sheets

The first thing that came to mind was adhesive sheets. “These should stop them!” I thought enthusiastically as I set out a large quantity, but the result was disastrous. The sheets were immediately covered with insects, their adhesive surfaces saturated. New insects calmly walked over them. It was like a ruthless army advancing by using the bodies of their fallen comrades as stepping stones.

“This isn’t making sheets, it’s creating bridges for the insects!”

Looking at the clock, it was 8:30. I had to do something before the cultivation area became contaminated with insects. After much thought, the secret plan I came up with was… a vacuum cleaner.

Secret Weapon, Named Vacuum Cleaner

I pulled out a large vacuum cleaner from the office and made a desperate attempt.

“Come on, bring it on!”

My stance with the vacuum nozzle aimed at the insect swarm must have looked ridiculous from the side. But there was no time to worry about that. With the roaring sound of the vacuum, the insects were sucked in, forming a vortex.

“Oh, it’s working, it’s working!”

Like a Ghostbuster, I began my counterattack with the vacuum cleaner as my weapon. Insects falling to the floor, sticking to the walls, flying through the air… fighting against enemies attacking from all directions, I was truly a lone warrior. I swung the vacuum around, drenched in sweat.

Unexpected Development—Sudden Retreat of Enemy Forces

By early afternoon, the swarm of insects outside gradually began to cease activity, and new intruders decreased. By evening, the battle was completely over. Their lifespan is short, ending within the day of their mass emergence.

That evening, after everyone finished thoroughly cleaning the factory, we gathered in the office with exhausted but somehow fulfilled expressions.

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. The plants are safe.”

At my report, everyone let out a sigh of relief.

My position is that “insects from outside are not a problem in plant factories…”
“However, a once-in-a-century insect invasion is an exception,” I added.

On my way home that day, I thought:
How small humans are in the face of nature’s power.

Countless insects slept inside the vacuum cleaner. While offering a silent prayer for their short lives, I vowed to myself, “Next time, I will absolutely not leave any gaps.”

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