On this day in Nebraska History: July 27, 1931
A massive swarm of grasshoppers descended upon the American heartland, wreaking havoc on millions of acres of crops. The states of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, already grappling with a severe drought, bore the brunt of this disaster.
Throughout history, farmers have grappled with the challenge of protecting their crops from insect pests. Among the most dreaded of these pests are locusts and grasshoppers, close insect relatives known for their voracious appetites.
Under specific conditions, grasshopper populations can experience sudden explosive growth, leading to plagues that inflict severe damage on crops. Typically, such outbreaks occur during droughts or prolonged dry periods, as the grasshopper egg pods are susceptible to fungal infections in wet soil. The arid conditions create an environment where swarms can proliferate rapidly.
The swarm that struck in July 1931 was unprecedented in its intensity, with a thickness so dense that it obscured the sun, plunging the affected areas into temporary darkness. The sheer number of grasshoppers was so overwhelming that one could scoop them up with a mere shovel. Cornstalks, a vital staple for the region, were mercilessly devoured, leaving fields barren and desolate.
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While swarms of this magnitude have not been seen in the United States since the early 1930s, regions like North Africa and parts of the Middle East continue to contend with ongoing issues caused by insect swarms, sometimes reaching an astounding one billion bugs.
