The Sterile Solution

The Tampa, Fla., area has been battling the state’s worst infestation of Medflies in more than 40 years, threatening Florida’s $7 billion agriculture industry. To combat the onslaught, and cut back on bothersome pesticides, millions of Medflies that had been sterilized, dyed orange for spotting and chilled to 38 degrees for shipping were dropped by plane Friday over troubled areas. The bugs thaw out on the way down, then, it is hoped, will mate with the wild flies. The new campaign will cost $150,000 a week, in a war that has already cost about $15 million.