Mormon crickets are an unwelcome guest in many yards and gardens, and they can quickly cause a lot of damage if left unchecked.
But getting rid of these pests doesnt have to be a daunting task.
In this article, well cover five proven methods for quickly and effectively eliminating Mormon crickets from your yard and garden.
Well begin by discussing what Mormon crickets are and the damage they can cause.
Then, well cover baits and traps, hand-picking, natural predators, insecticides, and finally, steps to prevent future infestations.
Read on to learn how you can get rid of Mormon crickets once and for all!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The most effective way to get rid of mormon crickets is to use an insecticide that targets them specifically.
Spraying these insecticides around the perimeter of your home and yard can help to reduce their numbers.
Additionally, removing any debris or overgrown vegetation that may be providing them with food or shelter can help to reduce their numbers.
Finally, introducing natural predators such as birds can help to keep their numbers down.
What Are Mormon Crickets?
Mormon crickets are a species of flightless insect that are native to the western United States and parts of Canada.
They are members of the family Tettigoniidae, and are closely related to grasshoppers and katydids.
Mormon crickets can grow up to two inches in length, and have a distinctive black and brown coloration with a yellow stripe along their back.
These insects are known for their voracious appetite, as they can consume large amounts of vegetation and cause extensive damage to crops and other plants.
They can also be a nuisance in gardens and yards, as they can spread quickly and become infestations.
The Damage Caused by Mormon Crickets
Mormon crickets can cause a great deal of damage to gardens and crops.
They have a voracious appetite and can devour large areas of vegetation in a short amount of time.
They prefer to feed on grains, grasses, vegetables, and other green plants, but they also have been known to eat tree bark and woody plants.
When they are present in large numbers, they can quickly strip a garden bare.
They also leave behind large amounts of waste, which can attract other pests and spread diseases.
In worst cases, they can even cause structural damage to homes and other buildings.
Thats why its so important to get rid of Mormon crickets as soon as possible.
Baits and Traps for Mormon Crickets
One of the most effective ways to get rid of Mormon crickets is to use baits and traps that are specially designed for these insects.
Baits are typically made up of an attractant, such as food scraps or a sweet-smelling lure, and a toxicant, which could be an insecticide or a natural product such as boric acid.
When the crickets are drawn to the bait, they ingest the toxicant, which kills them off.
Traps are also effective in controlling the cricket population, as they are designed to capture the insects when they come into contact with them.
Traps may also contain a toxicant to kill the crickets, or they may have a sticky substance that captures the crickets and prevents them from escaping.
Both baits and traps can be effective in controlling Mormon cricket populations, but its important to use them in combination with other methods to ensure the best results.
Hand-Picking Mormon Crickets
Hand-picking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of Mormon crickets.
It involves manually removing the crickets from the area and disposing of them.
This method is best for small infestations, as it is labor-intensive and can take a considerable amount of time.
To hand-pick Mormon crickets, it is best to use a flashlight or headlamp and gloves to help you locate and remove the crickets.
You can then place them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them, or you can transfer them into an insect-proof container and dispose of them in a trash can.
If you have a large infestation, you may need to enlist the help of your neighbors to ensure that all of the crickets are removed.
Hand-picking is an effective way to get rid of Mormon crickets, but it is important to note that it may not completely eliminate an infestation.
Using Natural Predators to Control Mormon Crickets
Using natural predators to control Mormon crickets is an effective and eco-friendly way to reduce their population.
Birds, rodents, spiders, and other predators are all capable of eating Mormon crickets and keeping their numbers under control.
For example, some species of birds such as crows, magpies, shrikes, and kestrels are known to feed on Mormon crickets.
Rodents like voles and mice also feed on these pests, while spiders and other predatory insects can help reduce the number of Mormon crickets in an area.
When it comes to encouraging natural predators to feed on Mormon crickets, its important to create a habitat that is inviting to them.
This includes providing food, water, and shelter, and ensuring there are plenty of hiding places and perching spots.
Planting native shrubs and trees can also help attract birds and other predators, as they provide food and nesting sites.
Homeowners can also consider installing bird feeders, bird houses, and other structures to help further attract these beneficial predators.
In addition to creating a habitat that encourages natural predators, homeowners can also consider using baits and traps specifically designed for Mormon crickets.
These baits and traps use a combination of attractive scents and flavors to lure the pests in, while the traps contain an adhesive substance that captures them.
When using baits and traps, its important to place them in areas where Mormon crickets are likely to be found, such as near garden beds or along pathways.
By using natural predators and baits and traps, homeowners can easily get rid of Mormon crickets and protect their gardens.
However, its important to remember that these methods only work if the garden is properly maintained and free of debris and weeds.
Without proper maintenance, Mormon crickets can quickly return and cause further damage.
Applying Insecticides to Get Rid of Mormon Crickets
Insecticides can be an effective way to get rid of Mormon crickets, if used correctly.
Before applying insecticides, its important to identify the species of Mormon cricket present.
Different species may require different treatments.
For example, the Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex) may require a different insecticide than the Band-winged Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus brevipennis).
Insecticides can be applied to areas where Mormon crickets are found, such as around gardens, on walkways, or near infested plants.
Its important to note that insecticides can be harmful to humans, pets, and beneficial insects, so care should be taken when applying them.
Insecticides that contain permethrin, carbaryl, or pyrethrins are typically used to control Mormon crickets.
Permethrin is a contact insecticide that is effective against Mormon crickets, but may have some residual effects.
Carbaryl is also an effective contact insecticide, but can have some adverse environmental effects.
Pyrethrins are a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and are effective against Mormon crickets.
When applying insecticides, its important to follow the instructions on the label.
Make sure to apply the insecticide in areas where Mormon crickets are likely to be found, and to use the appropriate amount of insecticide.
Its also important to wear protective clothing, such as long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, when handling insecticides.
By following these steps, homeowners can successfully get rid of Mormon crickets using insecticides.
However, its important to note that insecticides are not a long-term solution, and must be re-applied periodically to keep Mormon crickets away.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once youve successfully gotten rid of Mormon crickets in your garden, the last step is to make sure that you are taking steps to prevent future infestations.
This includes maintaining good sanitation and keeping your garden free of debris and weeds.
Good sanitation is essential for preventing future infestations of Mormon crickets.
Keep your yard and garden free from debris and weeds, which can act as a food source for the crickets.
Remove any fallen leaves, twigs, or other organic material that could provide food or shelter for the crickets.
Additionally, you should make sure that all areas of your garden are well-drained to prevent standing water, which can attract a variety of pests.
In addition to keeping your garden clean, you should also take steps to keep weeds and other unwanted plants away from your garden.
Weeds can provide a food source for Mormon crickets and other pests, so its important to keep them under control.
You can do this by regularly pulling or tilling weeds, or by using an herbicide to kill them.
Finally, you should also take steps to reduce the amount of available food sources for the crickets.
This includes removing any leftover fruits or vegetables that may be lying around in your garden.
Additionally, you should make sure that you clean up any spilled birdseed or pet food that may be attracting the crickets.
By following these steps, you can easily get rid of Mormon crickets and protect your garden from future infestations.
Final Thoughts
Mormon crickets can cause serious damage to gardens and crops, but with the right prevention and control methods, they can be easily eliminated.
By using baits and traps, hand-picking, utilizing natural predators, and applying insecticides, homeowners can get rid of Mormon crickets before they become a problem.
Additionally, preventing future infestations by keeping gardens free of debris and weeds can help keep Mormon crickets away.
With these steps, homeowners can protect their gardens and enjoy the beauty of nature without worrying about Mormon crickets.