Combating moles with nematodes

Mole crickets are subterranean insects that damage garden plants by eating roots, stems and young plants. Also known as Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, these insects dig tunnels in moist soil and feed on organic matter and insects. Although they are difficult to see, the damage caused by mole crickets can be considerable.

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Peat moles: What are they and how do you effectively control them?

Mole crickets, also known as mole crickets, are large insects that live mainly underground. They belong to the Gryllotalpidae family and are mainly found in moist, well-cultivated soil. Although they can be useful in part by feeding on harmful insects, they can cause considerable damage to plants by digging tunnels and eating roots and stems.

Characteristics of mole crickets:

  • Appearance:Mole crickets are brown in colour, 4 to 6 cm long and have powerful digging legs with which they make tunnels in the ground. Their body is cylindrical and somewhat resembles that of a cricket.
  • Lifestyle:These insects dig extensive tunnels near the soil surface, where they feed on roots, stems and insects. They are mainly active at dusk and at night.
  • Food source:Mole crickets feed on both plant material and small insects. They can cause damage by eating roots, which can lead to wilting and death of plants.

This is what Crickets looks like:

How do you recognize damage caused by moles?

Peat moles cause damage mainly by digging tunnels in the ground. This leads to:

  • Root damage: They feed on the roots of plants, which can stunt growth and in severe cases kill the plant.
  • Wilting: Affected plants may wilt because the roots are damaged.
  • Loose plants: Because the tunnels are close to the soil surface, young plants can become loose or fall over.

In addition, secondary damage can occur when birds or other animals turn over the ground in search of peat moles.

Combating moles: Choose an organic approach

A natural and effective way to combat mole crickets is by using nematodes of the Steinernema carpocapsae species. These nematodes infect the mole crickets and kill them from the inside, drastically reducing the population of these harmful insects.

Why nematodes?

  • Environmentally friendly: Nematodes do not harm other beneficial organisms in the soil.
  • Effective: Nematodes can effectively reduce the mole population without the use of chemical pesticides.
  • Safe: Nematodes are harmless to humans and animals and pose no risk to the environment.

When to use nematodes against mole crickets?

The best time to apply nematodes is in spring or early summer when the moles are still young and the soil temperature is between 12°C and 25°C. Make sure the soil is moist after application so that the nematodes can spread well and do their work.

With the right approach, such as using nematodes, you can control mole crickets in an organic way without harming the environment or other beneficial insects. Order nematodes against mole crickets today and prevent further damage to your garden!