Invasion of the Mole Crickets

[Bonanza]

I didn't get a chance to get our mail today, so while we were out tonight, I stopped to pick it up.
This was about 8:30 this evening. As I walked around the sidewalk to our mail box, I could not believe I wasn't part of a Hitchcock movie.

There were mole crickets EVERYWHERE! I'm not speaking about five or six. I'm talking about at least 50,
but I wasn't stopping to count them. It was gross and I really had to step lively to avoid them.

Where there is smoke, there is fire, meaning all Villagers should be aware there's a good possiblity that just about everyone has them.
My suggestion to all homeowners is to physically watch for them.
Bare patches in your grass are a good clue that they could be feasting away on the roots of your grass, and you need to treat your entire property.

[skip0358]

I lost my front yard a few years back. Had the dead sod removed and the ground treated. We went out several times a day with a shovel to beat them to death and scooped them up. They were running everywhere. Had half a 17 gal. garbage bag before we were done. Neighbor a few houses away got them also not quite as bad. They are very destructive and gross.

[Wandatime]

How to Kill Molecrickets, Mole Crickets in Lawns, Cricket Moles (http://www.molecrickets.com/molecrickettreatment.htm)

[Bonanza]

How to Kill Molecrickets, Mole Crickets in Lawns, Cricket Moles (http://www.molecrickets.com/molecrickettreatment.htm)

Wanda -- thank you for that "tell all" regarding mole crickets.
That is the most informative thing I've read and hopefully, homeowners will click on and read the information you provided.

[capecoralbill]

Bonanza, Please, what village are you in? Thanks

[KeepingItReal]

Talstar is available here:

Talstar, Talstar One, Talstar Insecticide, Talstar Pest Control Products (http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/talstar-products-c-40.html)

The active ingredient in Talstar is Bifenthrin.

http://pestcontrol.domyownpestcontrol.com/search?w=Bifenthrin&view=grid

Exact same as Talstar Granules..

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/bifen-granules-p-227.html

[Bonanza]

Bonanza, Please, what village are you in? Thanks

We are in the Village of Pinellas.
I wouldn't be surprised if you see these ugly insects elsewhere.
It would have to be at night but in a well lighted area.
That's what attracts them.

[shcisamax]

I came upon one this morning. I live in Fernandina. Thankfully he or she was dead. Tomorrow I will be calling Massey.

[champion6]

<snip> The active ingredient in Talstar is Bifenthrin. <snip>Thank you, that is very helpful! Bifenthrin is also the active ingredient in Ortho Bug B Gon and Eliminator Fire Ant Killer Plus, both of which are available at many big box stores and garden centers

[champion6]

We are in the Village of Pinellas.
I wouldn't be surprised if you see these ugly insects elsewhere.
It would have to be at night but in a well lighted area.
That's what attracts them.Hmmm ... Last fall my lawn developed a brown patch about 6 ft. in diameter. It was (still is) located in a corner bordered by the curb and driveway.

I'm in a cul-de-sac and guess what is across the pavement from the brown patch ... the street lamp!

[Uptown Girl]

Mole Crickets (http://www.asktheexterminator.com/lawn_pests/Mole_Crickets.shtml)


Additional interesting info..... and a suggested way to determine if your lawn might need treatment.

They are nocturnal and fly at dusk.

[Bonanza]

Read KeepingItReal's post.

That is the professional grade, sure-fire treatment for mole crickets.

[shcisamax]

Imagine my surprise when I called Massey this morning to come for the mole crickets and they don't consider them pests for which we are covered. They consider them under lawn care. I said, you come for ants which are in the lawn but, apparently, that is different. Feels a bit like dealing with an insurance company.

[dbussone]

Imagine my surprise when I called Massey this morning to come for the mole crickets and they don't consider them pests for which we are covered. They consider them under lawn care. I said, you come for ants which are in the lawn but, apparently, that is different. Feels a bit like dealing with an insurance company.

Deans has treated our lawn 3 times in the past 2 years for mole crickets - without extra charge

[shcisamax]

I found a dead one. Should I worry? Shoot. Yes, I should. Apparently, upon researching, the males die right after mating and the females die right after depositing.