Nevada entomologist says prepare, report Mormon cricket infestations
Submitted by editor on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 8:08am
Though not known to carry disease, state agriculture officials are reminding northern Nevadans to report Mormon cricket infestations. In large numbers, Mormon crickets pose a safety threat because they can create unsafe road conditions.
“Mormon cricket populations have been steadily increasing over the last few years, and our partnership with the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine program allows us to monitor for infestations that pose a threat to public safety or agriculture,” said Jeff Knight, state entomologist for the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
When populations reach outbreak levels, Mormon crickets can also devastate crops.
To report Mormon crickets anywhere in the state, please provide as much detail about the infestation as possible using the Mormon cricket and grasshopper reporting form available at agri.nv.gov/entomology, or call the NDA Entomology Laboratory at (775) 353-3767.
The laboratory will dispatch staff to evaluate the site, map the infestation and determine if the area is treatable. NDA staff can only treat infestations on public lands that are adjacent to roads, towns, cities or crops, and it is against federal law for private individuals to treat public land.
Learn more about the NDA Entomology Laboratory and its survey programs at agri.nv.gov/entomology.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.
