Challenges During the Dust Bowl Era

During the Dust Bowl era, farmers faced numerous challenges beyond dust storms. Severe droughts and ecological changes led to pest infestations, notably jackrabbits and grasshoppers, which devastated crops. With natural predators gone, these pests multiplied rapidly. Communities organized rabbit drives to control jackrabbit populations, while the National Guard and Civilian Conservation Corps used various methods to combat grasshoppers. Inside homes, poisonous pests posed threats, and static electricity from dust storms created additional hazards. These adversities compounded the difficulties of living through the Dust Bowl.

What was one of the initial problems faced by farmers during the Dust Bowl era?

• Invasion of locusts

• Severe drought and dust storms

• Overpopulation of cattle

• Flooding of the Great Plains

Why did the jackrabbit population surge during the Dust Bowl?

• Lack of natural predators

• Migration of jackrabbits from other regions

• Increased rainfall

• Introduction of new crops

What method was used by residents to control the jackrabbit population?

• Setting traps

• Using poison

• Organizing rabbit drives

• Building fences

What was the main reason for the grasshopper infestation during the Dust Bowl?

• Increase in temperature

• Introduction of new plant species

• Lack of food sources

• Absence of natural predators

How did the National Guard attempt to control the grasshopper plague?

• Introducing new predators

• Burning infested fields

• Flooding the fields

• Using pesticides

What was the composition of the insecticide used by the Civilian Conservation Corps?

• Arsenic, molasses, and bran

• Salt, sugar, and water

• Vinegar, oil, and soap

• Chalk, lime, and sand

Which pests infiltrated homes during the Dust Bowl in search of shade or water?

• Poisonous centipedes and deadly spiders

• Beetles and ants

• Rats and mice

• Snakes and lizards

What was a unique danger caused by static electricity during the Dust Bowl?

• Starting fires

• Knocking people unconscious

• Attracting insects

• Disrupting radio signals

What visual phenomenon did Dust Bowl survivors recall seeing at night?

• Red lightning

• Blue arcs of static electricity

• Green auroras

• Yellow dust clouds

What were some of the additional dangers faced by people during the Dust Bowl?

• Earthquakes and landslides

• Floods and hurricanes

• Pests and static electricity

• Volcanic eruptions and tsunamis