Nevada Wildlife Alert: The Dangerous Pests You Need to Watch Out For Right Now

From the shores of Lake Tahoe to the Las Vegas Valley, here is what you need to know to stay safe this season.

1. Mormon Crickets: The Great Basin Invasion

The NDA held a series of emergency management meetings in March 2026 to prepare for the spring hatching of Mormon Crickets. These flightless, shield-backed katydids are currently emerging across the Carson, Winnemucca, Elko, and Battle Mountain districts.

• The Threat: These crickets travel in massive "bands" that can span miles. They are catastrophic for crops and home gardens, but they also pose a significant public safety hazard. When crushed on highways, their oily bodies create slick, ice-like conditions that lead to serious vehicle accidents.
• What to Look For: Flightless, ground-dwelling insects that can grow up to two inches long. They are often dark brown, black, or even purple.
• Action Plan: If you encounter a band on the road, slow down immediately. For homeowners, the NDA is currently utilizing targeted bait treatments (such as Carbaryl) to protect residential areas.

2. Black Bears: The "Lake Tahoe" Car Break-ins

On April 6, 2026, the NDOW issued a "Bear Aware" alert as bears officially emerged from their dens. Due to the lingering snowpack in the mountains, bears are moving into lower-elevation neighborhoods in search of green grasses and "easy" calories.

• The Incident: On April 15, 2026, a bear in Incline Village caused extensive damage after becoming trapped inside a locked vehicle. It had been lured in by the scent of food left inside.
• The Rule: Take down bird feeders immediately. About 90% of bear calls in Nevada are related to unsecured trash.
• Safety Fact: Residents in Washoe, Carson City, and Douglas counties are reminded that failure to secure trash can result in fines under local ordinances. If you see a bear, haze it from a safe distance by banging pots and pans or triggering your car alarm.

3. Bees: Heat-Triggered Aggression

The Clark County Fire Department issued a specific warning on April 17, 2026, regarding aggressive bee behavior in Southern Nevada.

• The Cause: As April temperatures spike, bees are more prone to "swarming" as a survival tactic. Heat can lead to overcrowding in hives, making bees significantly more volatile and defensive of their resources.
• Action Plan: If you happen to encounter a swarm, please stay calm and move away quietly. Do not swat at them. If you need a hive removed, you can contact the Nevada Pest Management Association Bee Hotline at 702-385-5853; please don't try to remove a hive yourself.

4. Rattlesnakes: The "Garage Seekers."

April marks the peak of snake emergence in Nevada. As of mid-April 2026, snake removal services in the Reno and Las Vegas areas have reported a high volume of calls, specifically for snakes seeking shade in residential garages and under storage boxes.

• The Danger: The Great Basin Rattlesnake and the Sidewinder are active. They are often found "face-to-face" with non-venomous Gophersnakes, which are also emerging now.
• Where They Hide: Behind storage bins, under automatic gates, and near garden rock piles.
• Pro-Tip: Before moving boxes in your garage or shed this spring, use a stick to "poke" the area first. If you hear a rattle, you can just back away slowly and call a professional for relocation.

5. Invasive Mullein: The Wildfire Fuel

Invasive Mullein plants are currently experiencing rapid spring growth in Southern Nevada. While they don't bite, they are officially listed as a "dangerous pest" this month by environmental groups.

• The Hazard: These plants have highly flammable leaves. As they dry out later this spring, they will act as "flash fuels" that contribute to more intense and destructive wildfires.
• Action: Groups like the Friends of Nevada Wilderness are organizing removal projects this month. Homeowners are encouraged to manually remove these plants from their property now to reduce fire risk.

Summary Checklist for Nevada Residents

1. Secure Vehicles: Remove all food, trash, and even scented toiletries (like lip balm) from your car to prevent bear break-ins.
2. Trash Lockdown: Store non-bear-resistant cans in a locked garage and only put them out the morning of pickup.
3. Hike with Caution: Stick to the center of trails and keep dogs on a leash; rattlesnakes are currently basking in open areas.
4. Check for "Slicks": If you are driving in Northern Nevada, watch for dark patches on the road that could be Mormon Cricket swarms.