Nevada Braces for Invasion of Crickets

State agricultural officials are bracing for another invasion of Mormon crickets in northern Nevada, thanks in large part to a fifth straight year of drought.

Bob Gronowski, spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture, said the number of crickets marching across the region could make the 1990 invasion look insignificant.

He said the only way to keep the population in check is to have cold, wet weather after the crickets hatch in March, but it is not likely that the weather will cooperate.

“We’re looking at a 200-fold increase this year” in the cricket population unless the weather controls them, Gronowski said. “We may be in for a bigger battle than ever.”

Gronowski said the agriculture department will ask the Legislature for $300,000 in emergency funds to keep the insects in check.

Millions of crickets went on the march in May and June last year, doing little crop damage but causing headaches for many rural Nevada residents.

Gronowski said this year’s battle plan will be similar to last year’s and will use insecticides to keep the crickets off highways, away from crops and out of cities.

Mormon crickets are native to the Great Basin and received their name in 1848, when they attacked the crops of Mormon pioneers near the Great Salt Lake. Legend has it that sea gulls saved the crops by eating the bugs.

After they hatch in March, the crickets march across the land. Bands stretching half a mile wide and five miles long were sighted last year.