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 can damage plant roots and turfgrass.
Yes, mole crickets can ruin the lush green appearance of your yard and harm your garden plants. However, the natural remedies below offer a safe and 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 and dead patches of grass are other signs of mole crickets [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, we will explore various organic and eco-friendly methods to get rid of mole crickets.
1. Neem Oil
This product is a natural insecticide that works against mole cricket larvae.
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, ensuring that 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.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar’s strong smell deters many garden pests, including mole crickets.
Spray a diluted vinegar solution on areas with infestations. This works well in mole cricket burrows. However, it is essential to use vinegar sparingly, as excessive use can alter soil pH.
It is also an excellent home remedy for naturally eliminating mole cricket nymphs.
Prepare a homemade mole cricket spray of equal parts vinegar and water. Next, spray it directly on the nymphs after using soapy water to flush them out of the soil.
4. Soapy Water
One of the simplest ways to check if you have a mole cricket problem is to use soapy water. This method helps detect infestations and forces 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 treat the area with an appropriate insecticide. This method will also expose the critters to predators.
Apply soapy water in the early morning or late evening for the best results.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) can kill mole crickets. 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 method for managing mole cricket populations.
Birds, toads, owls, snakes, and raccoons actively hunt these pests [3].
Some insects, like parasitic wasps and ground beetles, attack mole crickets or their eggs. Ants destroy their eggs, too.
7. Beneficial Nematodes
Some beneficial nematodes naturally prey on soil-dwelling pests, like mole crickets.
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. DIY Glass Trap
A DIY glass trap is a simple yet effective method to catch mole crickets.
To create one, bury a glass mason jar so the top is level with the lawn. Add some honey to the bottom of the jar. Next, cover the top of the jar with grass clippings, leaves, or other organic matter.
The other organic matter will attract mole crickets, and the sticky honey will trap them as they crawl in.
9. Keep Thatch at a Minimum
Thick thatch layers make an excellent hiding and breeding spot 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 plants have natural properties that repel pests, such as mole crickets.
Marigolds, garlic, and lemongrass emit strong scents that deter these insects. Planting these around your yard can help keep away black crickets in the lawn.
Other plants that might repel mole crickets include citronella and peppermint.
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 repels and kills various crawling and flying insects. It also works quickly and provides long-lasting residual control.
Takeaway
Mole crickets can be a frustrating pest to deal with. However, this list of natural remedies offers a safe, effective way to control crickets in your grass, garden, and yard.
These eco-friendly solutions help protect your lawn without harming the environment.
Add comment