Mormon Crickets Are Back In Utah And They Are Coming In Massive Swarms
By Courtnie Erickson|Published June 27, 2023
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Mormon Crickets are making an appearance in Utah once again. These small insects aren’t coming quietly either. In fact, they are coming in massive swarms and it’s so bad that neighboring states have resorted to leaf blowers, road graders, and even snow plows to remove them from roads and sidewalks.
Mormon Crickets are large insects that are not crickets at all. Actually, they are shielded katydids. Their name dates back to the 19th century when these insects destroyed the crops of the Mormon settlers.
Mormon Crickets are found in the Intermountain West and parts of the Pacific Northwest. They have wings but cannot fly and they range in color. These insects can also grow up to three inches in length and while their appearance may certainly make your skin crawl, they do not bite.
Although, they do leave behind a terrible smell, and as they move, it sounds like rain. They will stick to the bottom of shoes and tires, creating a large mess if squished.
Advertisement
Mormon Crickets lay eggs in the soil each year. While some eggs hatch, others can lay dormant for more than a decade. Drought and warm temperatures can trigger the hatching process and thousands of Mormon Crickets are born.
When an infestation does occur, these insects typically do not come into homes. Rather, they spend their days eating vegetation, shrubs, trees, etc. Mormon Crickets can do extensive destruction to crops.
While Mormon Crickets have been especially bad in Nevada and Idaho this year, they are making their way into Utah. Some states, such as Nevada, have resorted to leaf blowers, snow plows, and even road graders to help clear roadways and sidewalks of the bugs. However, these insects are persistent and only return.
If left on road walks and sidewalks, the crickets can create slick conditions, making these areas quite dangerous.
Mormon Crickets won’t be going away any time soon. They will likely be around until late in the summer. The insects will eventually die after they mate and begin this cycle all over again.
Check out this video below by the Associated Press showing just how bad the Mormon Crickets have become in Nevada this year.
What do you think of the Mormon Cricket infestation? Does it make your skin crawl? Let us know in the comments!
If you need to get away from the insects, we have you covered. Hop in the car and head on a road trip! Check out these Utah road trip ideas with itineraries. Then, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list so you are prepared for any and every adventure on your journey.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
