Red cricket infestation is wreaking havoc on a US city.

Mormon crickets, known for their cannibalistic behavior, have invaded the city of Elko, Nevada, in massive numbers, covering highways, lawns, and even the walls of people's homes.

The city of Elko in Nevada is facing a horror movie-like scene as blood-red crickets invade every corner. Mormon crickets don't directly harm humans, but their appearance is causing chaos and stress for residents, Interesting Engineering reported on June 26.

Mormon crickets, scientifically known as Anabrus simplex , are relatively large, wingless insects native to the western half of North America. Despite their name, they don't actually belong to the cricket family but rather to the mosquito family.

Normally, a new generation of crickets hatches from eggs in the soil each year, then they gather in swarms and migrate through the area, feeding on crops along the way. However, this year, the crickets have swarmed towns and cities, including Elko, causing concern among residents. Pest control experts estimate that millions of crickets have flown into Elko this summer.

According to entomologist Jeff Knight, crickets mate and lay new eggs every year, with some eggs remaining in the soil for up to 11 years. This year's invasion is occurring at an unusual time, possibly due to delayed hatching. Cricket eggs typically hatch in the spring, but the wet conditions in northern Nevada during the winter and spring have caused them to hatch later. Additionally, a recent drought in the area may have accelerated hatching.

Although not a threat to humans, Mormon crickets have a very strong odor and are opportunistic cannibals. If crushed by a human or vehicle, they can trigger frenzied, pack-like feeding behavior, creating a terrifying spectacle.

The arrival of Mormon crickets forced hospitals and businesses to send people to chase the insects away with brooms, leaf blowers, or whatever was available, with limited success. Residents in Elko had to adopt various measures to cope with the invasive cricket swarm. Authorities even put up warning signs for drivers about slippery highways due to crickets converging there and eating the carcasses of their own kind.

Videos and photos on social media show Mormon crickets covering highways, lawns, and even the walls of people's homes. Charles Carmichael, owner of the pest control company Battle Born Pest Control, estimates the ratio of crickets to city residents to people is 75/1. Despite their large size, Mormon crickets can crawl into homes through cracks in walls, vents, or pipes.

An Khang (According to Interesting Engineering )

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