Invasion of Cannibalistic Mormon Locusts in the USA

AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS

The US state of Utah has been hit by an invasion of Mormon locusts – cannibalistic insects that have arrived in huge swarms. Residents of cities such as Fillmore and Tooele describe the situation as “apocalyptic” as the locusts cover roads, fences, walls and even the facades of houses. The crushed locusts have made the roads dangerously slippery, which has already led to traffic accidents.

Mormon locusts are large, flightless, grub-like insects with shiny reddish-brown bodies and can grow up to 5 centimeters long. They are native to the western United States, especially from states such as Montana, Oregon, Utah, Idaho and Nevada. These insects breed in dry and hot conditions and gather in migratory swarms of millions of individuals. Farmers are already reporting damage, and gardens are disappearing overnight. In smaller towns, the unbearable stench of dead insects is spreading.

"The worst is yet to come"

Authorities warn that the worst is yet to come - eggs that hatched this spring could cause a second wave of invasion as early as this summer.

Residents are advised to seal cracks in their homes, remove food and water sources, take out the trash regularly and check dark corners of the house where the insects could hide.

They even bite the facades of houses

In 2003, Mormon locusts ravaged western Utah, infecting about 1.1 million hectares of agricultural and desert land. At the time, residents reported that the insects even bit the facades of houses and other materials.

It was one of the most devastating invasions in recent history. Now local authorities are trying again to contain the invasion. Increased pesticide use and financial assistance programs for farmers suffering damage are being considered.

This year's invasion is yet another reminder of how pests in the American West often come in waves that are linked to weather, climate, and local ecosystems.