In a recent ruling, a judge sided with a lawsuit seeking to reduce the use of pesticides to control Mormon crickets and grasshoppers. The decision could have far-reaching effects on how these insects are managed across millions of acres in 17 Western states, sparking a debate on the best approach to handling outbreaks.
The battle with Mormon crickets dates back to the earliest days of European settlement in the West. These flightless insects can cause headaches for homeowners, drivers, ranchers, and farmers during outbreaks, which occur seasonally over a period of several years. This year, the impact of the crickets was felt in Eureka County, where sludge from crushed crickets caused slick roadways and led to multiple accidents. At Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko, staff used various tools to clear piles of crickets from the area.
Despite the nuisance they may cause, Mormon crickets are considered a keystone species in the Western United States. They play vital roles in their ecosystems that cannot be replicated by other species, and they have swarmed in the region long before extensive settlement took place. The challenge lies in finding a balance between managing their populations and preserving their ecological importance.
The primary method used to control outbreaks of Mormon crickets is aerial spraying of pesticides by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impacts of these pesticides on other species and the environment. The recent court ruling in the lawsuit against APHIS calls for a broader approach to managing Mormon crickets and grasshoppers, urging the agency to consider alternative methods beyond pesticides.
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and the Center for Biological Diversity filed the lawsuit, aiming to encourage APHIS to explore non-chemical treatment options such as rotational grazing and perimeter spraying. The court’s decision does not halt the agency’s ability to spray pesticides but pushes for a reevaluation of its strategies to mitigate risks to pollinators, rangeland insects, and other species.
Mormon crickets are known for their voracious appetite, feeding on a wide range of vegetation and even each other as they migrate in bands. Their destructive behavior can have significant consequences for rangeland, crops, soil erosion, and water quality. Outbreaks, often triggered by drought, can last for extended periods, posing challenges for both humans and wildlife as development encroaches on their habitat.
State entomologists play a crucial role in monitoring and managing Mormon cricket populations, conducting surveys to identify areas for treatment. Approved treatments by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are overseen by APHIS, with precautions taken to minimize environmental impacts. While pesticides remain a key tool in controlling outbreaks, the lawsuit’s outcome emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative approaches to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture received numerous reports of cricket sightings this year, prompting proactive measures to address potential outbreaks. State entomologist Jeff Knight highlighted the complexity of managing cricket populations and the need for strategic planning to effectively control their numbers. While outbreaks may continue to pose challenges, efforts are being made to strike a balance between managing the insects and preserving their ecological significance.
Moving forward, the focus will be on finding sustainable solutions that minimize the reliance on pesticides and safeguard the diverse ecosystems supported by Mormon crickets. By broadening the toolbox of management strategies and considering the impacts on other species, APHIS aims to address the challenges posed by these insect outbreaks more effectively. While outbreaks may remain a nuisance for some, there is an opportunity to appreciate the unique phenomenon of Mormon cricket swarms as a natural part of the Western landscape.