The return of the Erinnyis ello, commonly known as the cassava (yuca) caterpillar worm, has ravaged major crops throughout the provinces of Santiago, Moca, and La Vega. The vast size of the outbreak has even brought the worms into rural yards and houses, as reported in El Caribe.
The main complaint from both farmers and housewives is that despite their complaints the Ministry of Agriculture has not come to their aid.
In communities along the border between Moca and La Vega, including Cayetano Germosen, La Lima, Bacui and Barranca, farmers estimate that some 15,000 “tareas” (about 1000 ha) have been affected.
According to El Caribe, one farmer, Juan Antonio Vargas, said that he had to contract personnel just to deal with the infestation because the Ministry of Agriculture had not come to his aid. Housewife Maria Guzman said that she is spending all of her time sweeping the caterpillars out of her house and yard.
http://www.citysantiago.com/2014/10/22/plaga-gusanos-causa-estragos-cibao