Sometimes danger doesn’t come from wind or fire.

Sometimes, it arrives in the form of something smaller, swarming, and seemingly unstoppable.

One western state is facing an overwhelming surge of destruction—and it’s crawling in by the millions.

The worst part? Officials warn this could only be the beginning.



Utah is currently battling a massive infestation of Mormon crickets, flightless, reddish insects known for their size—and their appetite.

Locals describe roads slick with crushed bugs, with some counties even deploying snow plows to clear the insects.

The crickets, which can grow up to two inches long, are actually katydids, not true crickets.

And they’re not just a nuisance—they’re cannibalistic and destructive to crops, gardens, and homes.


These insects thrive in drought and warm weather, which Utah experienced over the winter and early spring.

Now they’re swarming across farmland, devouring wheat, corn, and backyard gardens overnight.

In small towns, residents report a sickening stench of rotting insects filling the air.

Farmers are already reporting early crop losses, with more damage expected as eggs continue to hatch.



Also read: An invasive insect is making its way through 19 US states—is your hometown in danger?

The name “Mormon cricket” dates back to the 1800s, when Utah settlers watched helplessly as their crops were destroyed.

Some remember the so-called “miracle of the gulls,” when flocks of birds arrived to devour the invading insects.

Now, that history is repeating itself in Millard County, where homeowner Jed Christensen says the outbreak reminds him of childhood.

“I remember walking down Corn Creek Canyon as a little boy, sprinting through the thick patches because we were scared to walk through them,” he told FOX 13.



Back in 2003, these insects covered 2.7 million acres of farmland in western Utah, chewing through everything in their path.

Residents even reported them eating through siding on homes and structures.

This year’s outbreak could approach similar levels if weather conditions remain favorable.

State officials are already considering increased pesticide use and emergency aid for farmers.



Also read: Brace yourself: Alien-like insect set to invade 13 states after 17 Years!

Experts warn that a second wave could arrive later this summer, as newly hatched eggs mature.

Pest control services are bracing for a surge in calls, especially as the insects move from fields to neighborhoods.

Homeowners are advised to seal cracks, eliminate food sources, and monitor dark corners of their homes.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and Utah State University (USU) Extension are offering resources and response tools.


Meanwhile, a new bill in the Utah legislature aims to rename the Mormon cricket, citing concerns over religious associations.

Critics argue the term links the pest unfairly to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While lawmakers debate the name, the insects continue spreading, wreaking havoc along the way.

And for residents in affected counties, survival comes before semantics.

Read next: Protect your home’s value: The “disgusting” invader causing chaos to West Coast forests
Have you ever seen a swarm like this in your area—or lived through a pest infestation that took over your town? How do you think states should prepare for insect invasions tied to changing weather patterns? Share your stories and advice in the comments—someone else might be dealing with the same situation right now.