Sasha CampbellMole crickets may appear harmless, but they can cause significant damage to your lawn and garden. Their burrowing habits can uproot seedlings, and their feeding and tunneling can damage plant roots and turfgrass.
Mole crickets can ruin the lush green appearance of your yard and harm your garden plants. However, the natural remedies listed below offer a safe, eco-friendly way to control these pests.
Signs of Mole Cricket Infestation
Before taking action, confirm that mole crickets are the cause of the damage in your yard.
Look for small, raised tunnels on your lawn. These mark their burrowing activity underground.
Damaged roots, thinning turf, and irregular dead patches of grass are other common signs of mole cricket activity [1].
You may also notice the crickets themselves. These insects are brown to tan in color and have cylindrical bodies.
The adults also have wings and large, mole-like forelegs for digging, which make them distinct from regular crickets. However, the nymphs do not have wings and are much smaller [2]
How to Get Rid of Mole Crickets Naturally
Below are several organic and eco-friendly methods that may help reduce mole cricket populations and limit damage to your lawn and garden.
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil may help deter young mole cricket nymphs and can be used as part of an integrated pest management program.
Mix two tablespoons of neem oil with one gallon of water. Then, spray it directly on the affected areas.
You can also use it as a soil drench to ensure the solution seeps into the soil.
2. Limit Outdoor Lighting
Like many nocturnal insects, mole crickets are attracted to light sources at night. Therefore, reducing outdoor lighting can help minimize their activity in your yard.
This is especially helpful during the adult flight season, when mole crickets are more likely to be attracted to lights.
3. Garlic Spray
Garlic’s strong odor may help discourage mole crickets and other garden pests from treated areas.
To make a garlic spray, blend 4 to 5 cloves of garlic with two cups of water. Strain the mixture, then dilute it with one gallon of water and add a few drops of mild liquid soap.
Spray the solution around mole cricket burrows and other areas where activity has been observed. Reapply after heavy rain or watering for the best results.
4. Soapy Water
One of the simplest ways to check for a mole cricket problem is to use soapy water. This method is primarily used to detect infestations and force the pests to the surface.
Mix one ounce of liquid dish soap with one gallon of water. Then, pour it over suspected infested areas. Within minutes, mole crickets and their nymphs will emerge.
After flushing them out of the soil, you can remove them by hand or expose them to natural predators.
Apply soapy water in the early morning or late evening for the best results.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth may help kill mole crickets that come into direct contact with it. Its razor-sharp particles penetrate their exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death.
Sprinkle some food-grade DE onto the garden soil and lawn. If crickets accidentally enter your home, you can also use it indoors.
Because diatomaceous earth works through direct contact, it’s best applied in dry conditions. To maintain its effectiveness, reapply after rain or watering.
This home remedy is also safe for organic gardeners to use in their vegetable gardens.
6. Natural Predators
Attracting natural predators is an effective way to manage mole cricket populations.
Birds, toads, owls, snakes, and raccoons actively hunt these pests, especially when mole crickets are near the soil surface [3].
Some insects, like parasitic wasps and ground beetles, also attack mole crickets or their eggs. Ants destroy their eggs, too.
7. Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes such as Steinernema scapterisci are known to infect and kill mole crickets [4].
Purchase and release them into infested areas. The nematodes will invade the bodies of mole crickets, releasing bacteria that kill them from the inside out.
Moreover, they’re safe for plants, pets, and humans. This makes them an excellent choice for organic control.
8. Pitfall Trap
A DIY pitfall trap can help monitor and reduce mole cricket numbers.
To make one, bury a glass jar or plastic container in the soil so that the rim is level with the ground. Mole crickets moving across the lawn may accidentally fall into the container and become trapped.
Check the trap regularly and remove any captured pests. Placing several traps around areas with active mole cricket damage can improve results.
9. Keep Thatch at a Minimum
Thick thatch layers provide excellent hiding and breeding sites for mole crickets and other pests. To prevent this, regularly dethatch your lawn.
Mowing your lawn properly helps keep it healthy. This can help keep mole crickets away.
10. Repellent Plants
Some gardeners use strongly scented plants such as marigolds, garlic, citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint to repel pests. However, there is little scientific evidence that these plants effectively repel mole crickets.
Planting these around your yard may help discourage some mole cricket activity, although results can vary.
11. Essentria IC Pro
For those seeking a natural yet effective insecticide, try Essentria IC Pro. It is a plant-based option that targets mole crickets and other pests.
This product is made with botanical oils. It works quickly against many crawling and flying insects, although repeat applications may be needed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe and effective use.
Takeaway
Mole crickets can be a frustrating pest to deal with. However, this list of natural remedies can help reduce mole cricket populations and limit damage to your lawn, garden, and yard.
These eco-friendly solutions help protect your lawn without harming the environment.
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