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11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mole Crickets

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11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mole Crickets

Mole crickets may look harmless, but these pests can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. Their burrowing habits can uproot seedlings, and their feeding can damage plant roots and turfgrass.

Yes, mole crickets can ruin your yard’s lush green appearance 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 caused the damage in your yard.

One telltale sign is small, raised tunnels across your lawn, which indicate their underground burrowing activity. Damaged roots and dead patches of grass are another sign [1].

You may also notice mole crickets themselves. These insects are brown to tan colored and have cylindrical bodies.

The adults also have large mole-like forelegs for digging and wings, making 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.

To use neem oil against these pests, mix two tablespoons with one gallon of water and spray it directly onto affected areas. You can also use it as a soil drench, ensuring 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.

A diluted vinegar solution can be sprayed onto infested areas, particularly 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 to eliminate mole cricket nymphs naturally.

Prepare 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 using 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 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

Encouraging natural predators is an excellent way to keep mole cricket populations under control.

Birds, toads, owls, snakes, and raccoons actively hunt these pests [3].

Certain insect species, such as parasitic wasps and ground beetles, will also attack mole crickets or their eggs. Ants destroy their eggs.

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 are safe for plants, pets, and humans, making them an excellent organic control method.

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 provide an ideal hiding and breeding ground for mole crickets and other pests. To prevent this, regularly dethatch your lawn.

Maintaining a healthy lawn through proper mowing can discourage mole crickets from settling in.

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, made with botanical oils, repels and kills many crawling and flying insects. It also works fast 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.

Picture via Flickr.

Sasha Campbell

Sasha Campbell is an experienced blogger in the organic gardening and natural health niches. She's also a lover of all things natural.

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