Mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae) are pests that attack lawns and other plants. These unusual insects get their name from their huge front legs, which they use to dig tunnels in the ground like moles. They damage golf courses and lawns by eating the roots and shoots of plants and disturbing the soil surface.
How to Identify Mole Crickets
Since mole crickets love to dig for any reason, their damage can be recognized by unevenly raised tunnels and withered grass. In addition, you can hear their loud trill in the spring when they attract partners for mating. If you want to check whether you have mole crickets, you can do a simple test. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 4 liters of water and pour this solution on a 1 square meter area of ground. If after a few minutes you see insects crawling out of the ground, then you have a problem.
How to Control Mole Crickets
Depending on the stage of the pest's life cycle, different control methods can be used.
Organic methods
To repel mole crickets, you can plant different types of flowers such as marigolds, calendulas or chrysanthemums between your vegetable crops.
Traps
Homemade molasses traps are another organic method of controlling mole crickets. Place glass jars in your garden in areas where mole crickets are causing problems. Push them into the soil so that the top of the jar is level with the ground. Fill each jar halfway with a mixture of one part molasses to ten parts water.
Chemical methods
Liquid or granular insecticides can be effective if the product penetrates the soil. You can use products such as Talstar Professional Insecticide or Bifen I/T Insecticide/Termiticide to spray or water your lawn. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosing and safety. It’s best to apply in late summer or early fall when mole crickets are most active and vulnerable.
How to Prevent Mole Crickets
To prevent damage from mole crickets, you can follow these recommendations.
• Maintain a healthy, resilient lawn by watering and fertilizing it regularly.
• Avoid over-watering the soil, as this creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of insects.
• Install wire mesh or plastic barriers around your lawn or garden to keep mole crickets out.
• Use biological enemies of mole crickets such as birds, lizards, toads or nematodes (worm-like parasites).
Mole crickets are a nuisance pest that can cause serious damage to your lawn or garden. To get rid of them, you can use a variety of methods, including organic, chemical, and biological. It is also important to prevent them from appearing by maintaining a healthy, dry lawn and installing barriers.
