Mormon crickets invade parts of east Idaho. Here’s how you can stay safe on the road.

IDAHO FALLS — Motorists traveling through rural parts of Idaho may be in for a surprising and slippery sight this season: swarms of crickets blanketing the roads.

The unusual natural phenomenon, while not entirely unexpected this time of year, is drawing attention. Many people have sent EastIdahoNews.com videos and photos showing crickets invading Dubois and Clark County.

Mormon crickets, which are actually not crickets but grasshopper – like katydids, eat shrubs, grasses, fruit trees, grains, vineyards and fields. They cannot fly but are able to travel long distances and measure 1.5 to 2 inches in length.

Their name goes back to when the insects invaded Mormon settlers’ crops in the Salt Lake area in the mid-1800s, according to Washington State University.

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“It’s an impressive sight, to say the least,” said Matthew Conde, public affairs director for AAA Idaho. “But thousands upon thousands of crickets scampering about on the road can be a little disconcerting. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to navigate both the swarm itself and the aftermath.”

To help drivers stay safe and keep their vehicles in good shape, AAA offers the following tips:

• Prepare your windshield: Before heading out, top off your washer fluid and make sure your wiper blades are in good condition to maintain visibility.
• Protect your car’s finish: Wash your car regularly and apply wax to guard against the acidity from crushed insects.
• Check your filters: Both the engine air filter and cabin air filter can become clogged with debris—especially during heavy insect activity.
• Watch your engine temperature: A higher-than-normal reading on your temperature gauge could indicate a blockage in your engine’s cooling system, possibly caused by insect buildup.
• Drive cautiously through swarms: Crickets can make the road surface slick. AAA advises slowing down, avoiding sharp turns, and steering clear of sudden acceleration or braking.

While the seasonal cricket swarms are largely harmless, AAA emphasizes that preparedness and cautious driving can help ensure a smooth journey — even when the road ahead is teeming with unexpected six-legged travelers.

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