Swarms of Mormon crickets are invading parts of the US, prompting comparisons online to a biblical plague described in the Book of Revelation.
The insects, notorious for their aggressive, cannibalistic behavior, have overwhelmed streets, yards and homes in parts of Oregon, Nevada and Idaho in recent days.
Officials said the crickets emerged in April, earlier than usual, raising concerns that populations could explode this summer.
Locals reported an invasion in Ashton, Idaho, outside Yellowstone National Park, where they described living through a ‘bug-infested nightmare,’ as homes are blanketed with the insects.
Meteorologist Matt Johnson said on Facebook: ‘The massive Mormon cricket infestation taking over Ashton is primarily driven by the region’s dry winter and warm spring, which created ideal conditions for prolific, early egg hatching.
‘Additionally, these insects operate in multi-year population cycles and tend to peak during prolonged stretches of drought.’
The unsettling scenes quickly sparked comparisons to Revelation’s Fifth Trumpet judgment, in which a swarm of supernatural locusts emerges from the bottomless pit during a series of catastrophic end-times events.
One X user shared a Bible verse from the Book of Revelation that reads: ‘And there came out of the smoke Locusts upon the earth, and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.’
The insects, notorious for their aggressive, cannibalistic behavior, have overwhelmed streets, yards and homes in parts of Oregon, Nevada and Idaho (pictured) in recent days
Despite the name, Mormon crickets are not true crickets, as the flightless insects resemble oversized grasshoppers and can grow up to two inches long
The insects earned their name from a devastating infestation that struck Utah in the mid-1800s, when Mormon pioneers watched swarms descend on their crops and destroy fields of wheat, corn and barley.
Despite the name, Mormon crickets are not true crickets, as the flightless insects resemble oversized grasshoppers and can grow up to two inches long.
The insects are notoriously cannibalistic; any cricket that slows down, becomes injured or falls behind risks being devoured by the swarm, creating a relentless march forward as the bugs race to avoid becoming the next meal.
They consume over 400 species of plants, as well as other insects and their own kind.
When population outbreaks occur, they can form massive, marching swarms that cause severe agricultural damage, severe traffic hazards, property defacement and disruptions to the local ecosystem.
Officials are urging residents to seal cracks around doors and windows, remove food and water sources, take out trash regularly and inspect dark corners of homes where the insects may hide.
Bureau of Land Management spokesman Joey Nikirk said in a statement: ‘The crickets are causing nuisance conditions where they are creating road hazards due to large densities over the road and associated odor from crickets that have been run over [by motor vehicles].’
According to Nikirk, the insects are drawn to the heat radiating from asphalt and often gather on roads in huge numbers.
Locals reported an invasion in Ashton, Idaho, outside Yellowstone National Park, where they described living through a ‘bug-infested nightmare,’ as homes are blanketed with the insects
When population outbreaks occur, they can form massive, marching swarms that cause severe agricultural damage, severe traffic hazards, property defacement and disruptions to the local ecosystem
‘They are also attracted to protein and salt sources [from] other dead crickets on the road surface,’ he said.
Nevada officials are asking residents to report sightings as swarms continue to appear across parts of the state.
Mormon crickets are a recurring problem in northern Nevada, particularly around Elko County and near Jarbidge, where past outbreaks have blanketed highways, created dangerous driving conditions and left behind a powerful stench.
While this year’s infestation is not as widespread as some previous outbreaks, officials say pockets of heavy activity remain.
Large swarms are also common across parts of southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, where the insects thrive in open sagebrush and grassland habitats.
