The Plague of Cannibalistic Crickets in Nevada

The Plague of Cannibalistic Crickets in Nevada

It's like something out of a horror movie. An infestation of millions of cannibalistic crickets is terrorizing six counties in Nevada.

Residents are disgusted and frightened by the bugs, which can grow up to three inches long and leave droppings everywhere.

The insects, which are actually a species of flightless katydid, have a four-to-six-year life cycle and prefer drought conditions.

This cannibalistic behavior also causes the crickets to migrate up to a mile a day, as they try to avoid being eaten by their nutrient-deprived peers.

The crickets can pose a danger to residents and motorists alike. They can quickly decimate crops, and their mass numbers can create dangerous conditions on roadways.

The Nevada Department of Transportation employs sand or snowplows to clean up the mess, but this can be a difficult task.

While the infestation may seem overwhelming, it's expected to disappear as quickly as it appeared. The crickets are expected to pass through the area in three to six days.

The bugs got their name from plaguing the Mormon settlers that pushed westward in the 1800s. They prefer drought conditions and have the ability to quickly decimate crops.

The crickets can migrate up to a mile a day, and they're believed to do so because of the threat of cannibalism from nutrient-deprived crickets approaching from the rear.

The infestation is a reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet's ecosystems, and what to expect.

As temperatures continue to rise, we may see more frequent and severe infestations of insects and other pests.

While there's not much residents can do to prevent the infestation, there are some steps they can take to mitigate the bugs' impact.

They can seal (windows, doors etc.) their homes to prevent the bugs from entering and keep windows and doors closed.

The crickets play an important role in the ecosystem as a food source for other animals. Despite their nuisance, they are a crucial part of the food chain.

The infestation of millions of Mormon crickets in Nevada is a major nuisance for residents and a safety hazard on roadways.

It's up to us to take action to mitigate the impact of climate change and ensure a healthy planet for all.

In conclusion, the plague of cannibalistic crickets in Nevada is a disturbing reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet's ecosystems.

It's up to us to take action to mitigate the impact of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.