Overview
Millions of Mormon crickets have invaded Nevada, covering doors and blocking roads. The insects have even piled up in front of hospital entrances, causing problems for emergency services. Videos and images show the crickets covering roads and walls of houses.
Residents‘ Reactions
Residents of Elko, Nevada describe feeling violated by the invasion. Colette Reynolds says the sound of the crickets dropping from wherever they’re hanging onto sounds like rain.
Emergency Services Affected
Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital’s Steve Burrows reports that they had to use leaf blowers and brooms to clear the way for patients to get into the hospital. At one point, they even used a tractor with a snowplow to move the piles of crickets.
The Bigger Problem
The bigger issue is the thunderstorms. According to Jeff Knight, an entomologist for the Nevada agriculture department, the roads can get covered with crickets and become slick, causing accidents.
Reason for the Invasion
The Mormon crickets lay eggs during the summer that remain dormant throughout the winter and hatch in the spring. The hatchlings were delayed due to an unusually rainy winter. The drought is likely what triggered them to start hatching.
Impact on Crops
Mormon crickets can travel up to two kilometers a day during the swarming season and seriously damage crops. They also eat other insects, including their own kind.
