Early Mormon Crickets Arrive in Utah

Residents warned to report sightings as officials brace for potential swarms

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:55am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, green, and blue, with a distant horizon line and dramatic lighting that casts long shadows across the scene. The foreground is obscured by a hazy, indistinct mass, hinting at the impending arrival of a swarm of Mormon crickets that will dwarf the natural elements.As a swarm of Mormon crickets threatens to descend on Utah's rural landscapes, the state braces for the potential ecological and agricultural impacts of this early insect invasion.Cedar City Today

Utah residents are encountering an unexpected challenge as young Mormon crickets have been spotted weeks earlier than usual across multiple regions of the state, including Millard County and Southern Utah areas like St. George and Cedar City. State officials say the early hatch activity could lead to a spike in Mormon cricket populations, which can damage crops, strip rangeland, and create hazards on roadways when they cross highways in large numbers.

Why it matters

Mormon crickets are native to the Great Basin region, and under the right conditions like warm, dry winters, they can multiply quickly. Large swarms can pose serious problems for ranchers and farmers, reducing available forage for livestock and wildlife and forcing them to buy expensive supplemental feed. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is urging residents to report sightings early in order to catch the problem before it escalates.

The details

State officials say young Mormon crickets have already been spotted weeks ahead of schedule in parts of Utah, including Millard County, and that early hatch activity has been confirmed across multiple regions of the state. While Mormon crickets are not new to Utah, under the right conditions they can hatch early and multiply quickly, leading to large swarms that can damage crops, strip rangeland, and create hazards on roadways.

  • Mormon crickets have been spotted weeks earlier than usual in parts of Utah.
  • Early hatch activity has been confirmed across multiple regions of the state.

The players

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

The state agency that is urging residents to report early sightings of Mormon crickets in order to catch the problem before it turns into a full-blown swarm.

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What’s next

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is asking residents to report any sightings of young Mormon crickets in order to help officials monitor the situation and take action before the problem escalates.

The takeaway

This early arrival of Mormon crickets in Utah is a concerning sign that the state could be facing a serious infestation this year, which could have major impacts on local agriculture and the environment. Residents and officials will need to work together to stay vigilant and address the issue before it becomes unmanageable.