Mormon Crickets Are Back In Idaho And They Are Coming In Massive Swarms
By Courtnie Erickson|Published June 27, 2023
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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.
Parts of Idaho have new residents that we certainly want to leave — Mormon Crickets. These small insects are coming in massive swarms and invading buildings, roads, sidewalks, and more. It may not only make your skin crawl, but it can also be dangerous and destructive to Idaho’s crops. Continue reading to learn a little more.
Mormon Crickets are large insects that are not really crickets at all. They are actually shielded katydids, but they look quite like a cricket. These bugs received their name back in the 19th century when they destroyed the crops of Mormon settlers in Utah.
Mormon Crickets have wings but cannot fly. They range in color and can grow up to three inches in length. They also do not bite. Although, they do leave behind a terrible smell and as they move, it sounds like rain. They will also stick to the bottom of shoes and tires, creating large messes if squished.
Mormon Crickets are typically found in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West in states including Utah, Idaho, and Nevada.
Each year, Mormon Crickets mate and lay eggs in the soil. While some eggs may hatch the following year, others can lay dormant for more than a decade. Drought conditions and warm temperatures can then bring the eggs out of dormancy and trigger the hatching process.
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It is possible to go more than a decade without seeing a Mormon Cricket but once they swarm, there are thousands that can make an appearance and cause a chilling sight.
While Mormon Crickets typically do not infest homes, they spend their day eating vegetation, shrubs, trees, grasses, etc., that are in their path. Mormon Crickets can do extensive destruction to crops.
This year, Mormon Crickets have been making an appearance and in many parts of the country, including southwestern Idaho, thousands of crickets are covering roads, sidewalks, and more.
Some towns have resorted to leaf blowers, snow plows, and even road graders to help clear areas of these insects.
Unfortunately, Mormon Crickets will be around for some time as they won’t be leaving Idaho until late in the summer. The crickets will eventually die after they mate and begin the cycle all over again.
What do you think of the Mormon Cricket infestation? Does it make your skin crawl? Let us know in the comments!
And, if you need to get away from the crickets, we have you covered. Hop in the car and head on a road trip! Check out these 11 Idaho road trip ideas with itineraries. Then, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list so you are prepared for anything on your way.
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