Mole Cricket

About this pest

Mole crickets, those burrowing bandits of South African lawns and gardens, can cause significant headaches for greenthumbs. Let’s delve into their world to understand their characteristics, why they become pests, and how to keep your soil safe from their tunnelling ways:

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Typically 2-5cm long, but some species can reach 8cm.
• Body: Stout and cylindrical, with shovel-like front legs adapted for digging.
• Colour: Brown, grey, or black, often with mottled patterns for camouflage.
• Movement: Primarily subterranean, spending most of the day tunnelling and emerging at night to feed.

Common South African Names:

• Molkriek (Afrikaans)
• Molsprinkhaan (Afrikaans) – Mole locust

Why are Mole Crickets Pests?

• Tunnelling damage: Their underground burrows disrupt lawn roots, causing uneven surfaces, brown patches, and potential plant damage.
• Root feeders: They feed on grass roots and other plant roots, weakening or even killing plants.
• Noisemakers: Males chirp loudly during mating season, which can be disturbing at night.

Combatting Mole Crickets:

Monitoring: Look for signs of tunnelling activity like raised ridges in the soil and wilting or dying plants. Listen for chirping during mating season (October-April).

Natural methods:

• • • Encourage natural predators: Owls, skunks, and snakes prey on mole crickets.
    • Soapy water drench: Pour soapy water into burrows to flush them out and disrupt their habitat.
    • Neem oil drench: Can deter mole crickets with its strong odour.

Cultural practices:

• • • Soil moisture management: Avoid overwatering, as moist soil attracts mole crickets.
    • Physical barriers: Install mesh netting barriers around vulnerable areas to prevent tunnelling.
    • Planting resistant crops: Some plants like marigolds or garlic might repel mole crickets with their scent.

Chemical control: Use registered insecticides as a last resort due to environmental impact and potential harm to beneficial insects. Choose bait formulations specifically targeting mole crickets.

Remember:

• Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent significant damage from mole crickets.
• Combine multiple control methods for a sustainable approach, prioritizing natural and organic strategies whenever possible.
• Consult with pest control professionals or agricultural extension services for tailored recommendations based on your specific situation and infestation severity.

By understanding the behaviour and vulnerabilities of mole crickets, you can implement effective strategies to protect your South African lawns and gardens from these subterranean troublemakers. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions about specific control methods, identifying mole cricket activity, or finding resources for resistant plants!