Large swarms of Mormon crickets, known for their cannibalistic behavior and destructive potential, have descended upon parts of Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho, leading to significant nuisance and hazard conditions. Officials attribute the early and widespread emergence this year to a dry winter followed by a warm spring, creating ideal conditions for egg hatching. These insects operate on multi-year population cycles that tend to peak during prolonged drought periods.
The insects, which are technically flightless katydids resembling oversized grasshoppers and can reach up to two inches in length, earned their name from a severe infestation that impacted Utah in the mid-1800s, devastating crops planted by Mormon pioneers. Their aggressive nature means any insect that slows down risks being consumed by the swarm, driving a relentless forward march.
Mormon crickets can consume more than 400 species of plants, as well as other insects and their own kind. When population outbreaks occur, they form massive, marching swarms capable of causing severe agricultural damage, creating traffic hazards, damaging property, and disrupting local ecosystems. Officials have reported nuisance conditions including large densities of crickets on roadways, which pose a hazard due to their numbers and the odor from those run over by vehicles. The insects are drawn to the heat from asphalt and to protein and salt sources from other deceased crickets on the road surface.
Residents in affected areas are advised to seal cracks around doors and windows, remove potential food and water sources, regularly take out trash, and inspect homes for hiding insects. The Bureau of Land Management has noted the significant road hazards and nuisance conditions caused by the infestations. Nevada officials are requesting residents report sightings as swarms continue to appear. While this year's infestation may not be as widespread as some past outbreaks, pockets of heavy activity persist in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, where the insects thrive in sagebrush and grassland habitats.