How To Kill Mole Crickets In Your Vegetable Garden In 2023

What Are Mole Crickets?

Mole crickets are small, insect-like creatures that are found in both residential and commercial gardens. They are a type of subterranean cricket that, as the name suggests, build their nests underground. These pests get their name from their mole-like shape and behavior. Mole crickets can cause significant damage to gardens, as they feed on roots, tubers, and other vegetables.

Mole crickets have long, cylindrical bodies, and their heads and front legs are adapted for digging. They have a slender, cylindrical snout, which they use to dig their burrows and search for food. They have small eyes and two long antennae on their heads. Mole crickets can vary in size, with some growing to be up to two inches long.

Signs of Mole Crickets in Your Garden

Mole crickets can be difficult to spot, as they live underground in their burrows. However, they can cause visible damage to your garden. Mole crickets will feed on the roots and tubers of vegetables, which can cause them to wilt and die. They can also devour seedlings and leave behind patches of dead grass.

Mole crickets can also leave behind mounds of dirt, which can be a tell-tale sign of their presence. You may also see the mole crickets themselves, as they emerge from the ground at night to feed.

How to Get Rid of Mole Crickets in Your Garden

The best way to get rid of mole crickets in your garden is to use a combination of mechanical and chemical methods. Mechanical methods include trapping and hand-removal, while chemical methods involve using insecticides.

Trapping is one of the most effective methods of removing mole crickets. You can use either a standard mole cricket trap, which is designed to capture the pests, or a homemade trap. To make a homemade trap, simply dig a shallow hole in the ground near the burrow, then place a shallow container in the hole. Fill the container with water and check it every few days. The mole crickets will be attracted to the water and will drown in the container.

Insecticides can also be used to get rid of mole crickets. Look for products that contain active ingredients such as carbaryl, cyfluthrin, or bifenthrin. Read and follow all directions on the product label before using any insecticide.

Other Tips for Controlling Mole Crickets

In addition to trapping and using insecticides, there are several other methods that you can use to control mole crickets in your garden. One of the most effective is to reduce their food sources. To do this, keep the soil around your garden free of weeds and debris, as these can provide food for the mole crickets. You should also keep the area well-aerated, as this will make it less attractive to the pests.

You can also use beneficial insects, such as predatory nematodes, to control mole crickets. These tiny, worm-like creatures feed on the mole crickets and can help reduce their populations.

Preventing Mole Crickets in Your Garden

The best way to prevent mole crickets from invading your garden is to keep them out in the first place. To do this, you should inspect your garden regularly for signs of mole crickets. If you notice any signs of mole crickets, such as mounds of dirt or wilting plants, you should act quickly to get rid of them.

You can also use cultural methods to discourage mole crickets from invading your garden. Planting cover crops and keeping the soil well-aerated can help deter the pests. Additionally, you should maintain a healthy population of beneficial insects, such as predatory nematodes, to help keep the population of mole crickets under control.

Conclusion

Mole crickets can be a serious problem in a vegetable garden. To get rid of them, you should use a combination of mechanical and chemical methods, such as trapping, hand-removal, and insecticides. You can also reduce their food sources, use beneficial insects, and practice cultural methods to discourage them from invading your garden. With a little bit of effort, you can get rid of mole crickets and keep your garden healthy and thriving.