Authorities in Nevada issued a warning to drivers after a peculiar incident involving Mormon cricket “sludge” led to multiple crashes over the weekend.
The mashed remains of these insects, combined with recent rainfall, created a slippery substance on roads, resulting in two crashes involving three semi-trucks on Interstate 80, according to the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported from these accidents. Emergency services, including fire and Nevada State Police, responded to the incidents and advised drivers to exercise caution due to the unusually slick and unpredictable road conditions caused by the insect residue.
Mormon crickets, known for their cannibalistic behavior, have made headlines in Nevada in recent years, swarming towns and causing disruptions, NBC News reported.
According to Nevada’s state entomologist, Jeff Knight, outbreaks of these crickets typically last for several years before natural predators bring their populations under control.
The insects have already been causing issues in some northern Nevada communities, prompting authorities to encourage residents to report sightings to assist in control efforts.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture states that Mormon crickets are a common occurrence in northern Nevada and other Western states, and their populations can pose risks to agriculture and public safety on roadways.
Written by B.C. Begley
