ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) – A growing Mormon cricket infestation that has already affected thousands of acres in Eastern Idaho is now crawling farther into northern Fremont County, raising concerns among residents and property owners.
According to local officials and residents, the large reddish-brown insects have spread north from the St. Anthony Sand Dunes area and are now being reported in portions of Island Park, including Antelope Flats and other areas farther north into the forest.
Recent social media posts have documented groups of Mormon crickets moving through the region. A chain of videos and photos shows the creepy crawlers are multiplying by the thousands from Ashton to Kilgore to the Fort Hall Reservation. One post from a local resident in Ashton went viral on ACCUWeather’s national Facebook page, prompting county officials to urge residents to report any infestations and seek assistance if needed.
Despite their name, Mormon crickets are not actually crickets. The flightless insects are known for traveling in large bands and can cause significant damage to vegetation, gardens, crops, and rangeland as they move across the landscape.
The “Mormon cricket” insects received their name following a historic infestation in Utah during the early days of Mormon settlement. According to pioneer accounts, flocks of seagulls helped save crops by feeding on insects during an event known as the “Miracle of the Gulls.”
Resources Fremont County locals can turn to at this time
Fremont County officials say resources are available to help landowners combat the infestation. County weed department employees are certified to apply bait treatments designed to control Mormon cricket populations on private property and along county roads. However, treatments cannot be applied to federal lands.
Earlier this year, Fremont County Commissioner Mark Chandler said the county has treatment products available and that the state would provide additional supplies for roadside applications where needed.
Officials are encouraging residents who notice large numbers of Mormon crickets on their property to contact the Fremont County Weed Department for assistance before the infestation spreads further.
Property owners seeking help can contact Fremont County Weed Department Supervisor Bryce Fowler at (208) 332-8856 or Fremont County officials for more information on available treatment options.
As warmer summer weather continues, county officials say monitoring and early intervention will be key to limiting the impact of Mormon crickets across Fremont County and Eastern Idaho.
