Most of the grain has vanished from Terrell Sorensen’s 50-acre barley field in southern Bannock County’s Swan Lake area, but the hordes of grasshoppers that moved in during late June remain.
Portions of the western U.S., including North Central Oregon, are in the middle of a infestation of Mormon Crickets. Oregon Department of Agriculture entomologist Paul Blom said the katydids are natural to the western environment.
“But it’s characterized by these periodic eruptions, where they come out in large numbers. Once they archives ...
Mormon crickets have been seen in Okanogan County feeding on feral rye and crossing streets into various fields.
WSU Assistant Professor Dale Whaley said they are voracious feeders.
“If they move into an orchard they can impact the developing fruit. They can strip...