Mormon crickets make an early appearance in warm, dry Utah

By: Annie Knox

Outlets: Utah News Dispatch

Published: April 11, 2026

Words: 381

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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If the drought isn’t enough, Mormon crickets are starting to show up early in Utah.

The insects are native to the Beehive State and the Intermountain West, but in big numbers they threaten crops, wildlife, cattle grazing and even highway safety when they swarm the roads.

The pests are something of a mascot for drought, and this year’s dry winter and warm spring created favorable conditions for an early hatch.

“They move …

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