Elko, a small town in Nevada, is currently facing a “biblical” infestation of cannibalistic Mormon crickets. These pests have covered the roads, infiltrated buildings, and caused distress among residents. Despite their name, Mormon crickets are actually large katydids that closely resemble grasshoppers. They do not fly but instead walk or hop. While harmless to humans, they are still causing fear among locals with insect phobias.
The situation in Elko has been captured in skin-crawling footage shared on social media. The town and several other counties in Nevada are under attack as the swarm of insects spreads throughout the state. Residents have expressed their concerns, with one stating that the whole wall of their building was covered with crickets, which was a frightening sight.
The infestation has also caused dangerous road conditions, as millions of squashed crickets have created a slippery surface. The Nevada Department of Transportation has been working to clear the roads by plowing and sanding away the bugs. However, the constant movement and crawling of the insects make it a nauseating experience for those encountering them.
The Mormon cricket population in Elko spans around a thousand acres. These insects have caused damage to crops, devouring everything in their path. The roads now resemble a plague-like scene due to the addition of squashed crickets, making them even more treacherous.
According to Jeff Knight, an entomologist for the Nevada agriculture department, Mormon crickets have been a recurring issue since 1976, with approximately 40 outbreaks over the years. He explains that the current infestation in Elko was triggered by drought conditions, which caused the insects to hatch.
The swarms of Mormon crickets in Nevada can persist for four to six years until they are eventually controlled by other insects and predators. This population density prompts them to start moving. Unfortunately, there is little that residents can do but wait for the infestation to pass.
Last year, Oregon also faced immense swarms of both Mormon crickets and grasshoppers. The Mormon cricket, while not technically a cricket but a shieldbacked katydid, gets its name from Mormon settlers in Utah who encountered them during their westward expansion. These insects are not only devouring crops but are also cannibalistic, resorting to eating each other when protein sources are scarce.
The drought in the region has contributed to the ideal conditions for grasshopper and Mormon cricket egg hatching. These insects have been a persistent problem, as they continue to devastate crops such as corn, oats, wheat, rye, and barley, which are crucial for the state’s economy.
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