Another Grasshopper Infestation Looms in the West

At least 8 Western states are primed for substantial grasshopper infestations beginning in June 2010 and extending through the summer (MT, NE, ND, SD, WY, ID, NV, and UT). The US Dept. of Agriculture also is keeping a wary eye on 9 other Western states.

In an attempt to lessen crop and vegetative damage from the grasshoppers, USDA has just allocated $11 million, primarily to treat about 4 million acres with pesticides. Stories about this cyclical threat can address issues such as causes of the population surge, possible effects on crops and other vegetation, effectiveness and adverse effects of the pesticides that are being funded, and long-term preventive measures.

• "USDA Announces Additional Funding to Respond to Expected Grasshopper Outbreaks in Western States," June 11, 2010, press release.

For much more information about grasshopper and Mormon cricket outbreaks, see the TipSheet of Aug. 7, 2002.