2023 was a record year for Mormon crickets in northwest Rio Blanco County. They spread across rangeland, farmland and even into housing developments and towns over six months. In some areas they just migrated through the area, however in others they impacted crops and gardens or caused damage to buildings. To try to avoid the same impacts this year, several individuals, groups, governmental agencies, and two counties are working together to find ways to stay ahead of the spread of Mormon cricket populations in 2024.
These groups are asking for your help in this effort by locating the juveniles when they first hatch out this spring. The timing of the hatch will depend on temperatures and snowmelt. Hatch-outs are expected to occur in areas where they were last seen late in the season last fall, i.e. August and September. Usually, Mormon crickets migrate as they mature. As full-grown adults, they deposit their eggs and die soon after. As juveniles, their color may range from bright green to red to brown and they are less than 1/2” long in their 1st instar. Since they are so small, they may be hard to spot, so an easier way to find them may be to look for flocks of crows or ravens circling or feeding on the ground in large groups. If you locate crickets, please contact the Weed and Pest District at 878-9670 or the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts at 878-9838 immediately.
If small hatch-out areas can be located, a much more controlled, limited and targeted spraying program can be designed and carried out. A signed spray agreement from private property owners will be required to allow RBC Weed and Pest to spray insecticide on private lands. Participation is completely voluntary. Spray Agreement Forms will be available soon from the Conservation District, Weed Department, Extension Offices and Rangely locations soon.
For more information attend one of the following meetings or contact the above-noted contacts.
Meetings: Rangely Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Weiss Center or in Meeker on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Meeker Fire Hall.
By LINDA MASTERS
CSU Extension
