MEEKER | Local and regional officials met in December to discuss plans for Mormon cricket abatement in 2025. In 2024, aerial spraying was added to the use of bait on the ground in an effort to mitigate the cricket population. The plan for 2025 will be similar, with changes to[Read More…]
Tag: Mormon Crickets
Mormon cricket update
RBC | Mormon Cricket hatch-outs have been reported at several sites across northern Rio Blanco County in recent weeks; including Hwy 13 near 9-Mile Ranch, north Sulphur Creek Road, Strawberry Creek Road, Piceance Creek road and north of the Town of Rangely. Residents are asked to help local agencies track[Read More…]
LOOK WHO HATCHED
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets[Read More…]
Two public meetings for cricket control planned
Meetings are planned for both ends of the county to educate the public on several aspects of Mormon cricket control. The Meeker meeting will be held at the Meeker Fire Hall on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. The Rangely meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in the[Read More…]
Preventative measures for cricket control underway
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.[Read More…]
Commissioners take neutral stance on proposed Elk Creek Ranch easement
Rio Blanco County Commissioners approved a “letter of neutrality” regarding a proposed conservation easement at Elk Creek Ranch during a special meeting Thursday, Dec. 30. The acquisition of 7 Lakes Lodge in 2021 quintupled Elk Creek Ranch’s physical footprint — 25,000 acres for hunting, fishing and recreation, including more than[Read More…]
Conservation Corner: Help us find the crickets!
Did you see those big ugly crickets this summer?! Mormon crickets have occupied Rio Blanco County for many years but WOW, there were a lot of them this year! Any fields, roads, homes, corrals, etc. that were in their path were covered with crickets. They did damage in some places[Read More…]
Citizen help sought in controlling cricket problem
Mormon crickets are flightless, ground-dwelling insects native to the western United States. They eat native, herbaceous perennials (forbs), grasses, shrubs and cultivated forage crops, reducing feed for grazing wildlife and livestock. In large numbers, their feeding can contribute to soil erosion, poor water quality, nutrient-depleted soils, and potentially cause damage[Read More…]
Getting a jump on the cricket problem
In 2023, crickets invaded nine different Western states, including northwest Colorado. Anabrus simplex, or Mormon crickets, don’t bite or sting, but they do cause crop damage as they eat their way across the landscape in droves. They’ve also been blamed for traffic accidents when they migrate across county roads and[Read More…]
‘Perfect storm’ of conditions causes largest Mormon cricket hatch in recent memory
RBC | Rural living comes with the cost of dealing with Mother Nature, sometimes at her worst: high winds, big snows, drought, forest fires, flooding and on occasion, really ugly insects. And Mormon crickets are among the ugliest of them all. These creatures have been increasing in numbers over the[Read More…]
Crickets!
This year’s crop of anabrus simplex (also known as shield-backed katydids or Mormon crickets) are in their “dark phase” – migrating in bands. They’ve been seen crossing Hwy. 64 and 40 in the last few weeks. Chance Walker Photo/Video
County Beat: June 17, 2021
RBC | On Tuesday, Rio Blanco County Commissioners discussed using emergency funds to help control this year’s outbreak of Mormon crickets. The insects have made an appearance again this year in the county. Wade Cox, with the Lower White River Pest Control District, reached out to the board last week[Read More…]
