Cricket plague causes misery in American cities

Cannibalistic Mormon crickets have invaded the city of Elko, Nevada in huge numbers, covering highways, lawns, and residential walls.

The city of Elko, Nevada, is facing a horror movie-like scene as blood-red crickets invade every corner. Mormon crickets do not directly harm humans, but their appearance causes chaos and stress for residents, Interesting Engineering reported on June 26.

The Mormon cricket, scientifically known as Anabrus simplex , is a relatively large wingless insect native to the western half of North America. Despite its name, it is not actually a member of the cricket family, but of the cricket family.

Typically, a new batch of crickets hatches from eggs in the soil each year, then swarm and migrate through the area, eating crops along the way. This year, however, the crickets have swarmed through towns and cities, including Elko, causing concern among residents. Pest control experts estimate that millions of crickets have flown into Elko this summer.

Crickets mate and lay new eggs each year, with some eggs remaining in the soil for up to 11 years, entomologist Jeff Knight said. This year’s invasion comes at an unusual time, possibly due to a delay in hatching. Cricket eggs typically hatch in the spring, but wet conditions in northern Nevada this winter and spring caused the eggs to hatch later. In addition, the recent drought in the area may have accelerated the hatching.

Although not a threat to humans, Mormon crickets have a very unpleasant odor and are opportunistic cannibals. If crushed by humans or vehicles, they can trigger frenzied feeding behavior in swarms, creating a frightening sight.

The Mormon crickets’ presence has forced hospitals and businesses to dispatch workers to swat the insects away with brooms, leaf blowers, or whatever else is on hand, with limited success. Residents in Elko have taken various measures to deal with the invasive crickets. Officials have even posted signs warning drivers about slippery highways where crickets congregate and eat their own kind.

Videos and photos posted on social media show Mormon crickets covering highways, lawns, and even the walls of homes. Charles Carmichael, owner of Battle Born Pest Control, estimates the ratio of crickets to city residents is 75 to 1. Despite their size, Mormon crickets can crawl into homes through cracks in walls, vents, or pipes.

An Khang (According to Interesting Engineering )

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