See the Viral Video Showing Millions of Crickets Invading a Couple’s Yard

This Nevada resident’s video has gone viral! It had over nine million views within a couple of days so she has certainly shared what she describes as ‘the worst day’ with plenty of people! The clip at the bottom of this page shows a swarm of Mormon crickets around her home. They have landed on her driveway, lawn, and walls. She describes how her husband had to use a leaf blower to remove them from the porch. They were even jumping on her as she tried to get back in her house!

What Exactly Are Mormon Crickets?

Mormon crickets are not true crickets although they are related. Their scientific name is Anabrus simplex and they got their common name from the Mormon settlers in Utah who encountered them as they moved westward. They are shield-backed and short-winged katydids which are a subfamily of bush crickets.

These guys look a bit like a fat grasshoppers – the adults have long antennae and a smooth, shiny exoskeleton. They can reach around two inches in length and live on the ground – they are not able to fly!

Where Do Mormon Crickets Live?

Mormon crickets are a native species of the western United States. They are found in rangelands west of the Missouri River and statewide in Nevada.

There are multiple news reports about the problems that this insect is causing residents of these areas in recent years. In particular, the population has been increasing in Nevada since the late 1990s, and by 2006, ten million acres were infested. The area of Tonopah, Nevada is experiencing especially high insect numbers.

Owyhee County is also experiencing high numbers and people can hear them crunching under their tires when they swarm on roads.

Why Do Mormon Crickets Swarm?

Swarming is a perfectly normal part of the lifecycle of a Mormon cricket. They can last years or even decades. Even though we do not completely understand why swarms happen, they are thought to be weather related.

The problem is that there are now homes and agricultural land in traditional Mormon insect habitats and so conflicts arise. These insects damage crops and plants in gardens and stain buildings and other structures. The authorities are trying to balance the needs of this native species with the local human population – which is not easy!

Watch the Startling Clip Below

The photo featured at the top of this post is © PixieBitz/Shutterstock.com