Massive swarms of Mormon crickets have been invading Nevada, causing problems for homeowners, farmlands, and businesses, according to local reports. Social media footage showed thousands of these insects covering the outside of a home in Spring Creek, northern Nevada. The homeowner used a leaf blower to clear them away.
These flightless insects, which can grow up to two inches long, have been swarming across Nevada for the past week. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned that the spread of Mormon crickets over agricultural land could cause economic and ecological damage.
“They cover our homes and buildings, and when run over, they make our roads bloody and leave a horrible smell from sitting in the hot summer sun!” Nevada resident Kyra Adams told Storyful. “Imagine you just want to go to church and this is what you see.”
Mormon crickets are native to North America and got their name in the 1800s when they destroyed the fields of Mormon settlers. In recent years, outbreaks of these insects have worsened, possibly due to climate change. Drought conditions can lead to Mormon cricket outbreaks, resulting in billions of insects that can cause major economic and ecological losses to rangeland and cropland, according to the USDA.
