State officials issued warnings after Mormon crickets hatched weeks ahead of schedule. The insects, under the right conditions, can cause serious harm to agriculture and other natural resources.
According to Aaron Eagar, state weed coordinator and manager of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, crickets have been seen in Millard and Box Elder County. The heaviest sightings, however, have been in northeastern Utah.
“They’re not big, but they’re a little bit dense, meaning there’s a lot of them in a small area.” Eagar said.
Considering Utah’s current drought and record high temperatures, officials are already tracking populations in order to protect already-struggling farmers and ranchers. Eagar said infestations are easier to treat while the insects are in younger stages of their life cycle.
Officials are encouraging residents, landowners and farmers to reach out if they see any infestations in their local area.
Author: Nathaniel Buck
Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP News
Author: Hannah Clove
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