The sound of crickets might make you recall fond childhood memories, but the sight of too many can make you reach for a pesticide spray. It helps to understand ‘why are there so many crickets in my yard?’ so you’ll know what to do if there’s an infestation in your home.
Why is My Yard Infested with Crickets?
Crickets come in many shapes and sizes, and nearly all of them cause significant damage to plants, particularly grass and lawns. The key to managing these pests effectively is to identify what type of cricket species is invading your yard.
It’s worth noting that crickets usually appear in environments that are warm and moist. These insects won’t confine themselves to your yard or garden and can get inside your house and within its structure as well.
Different crickets will have different appearances and foraging habits. Mole crickets, for example, will try to get to the grassroots by tunneling through the soil.
They’re nocturnal eaters and are more damaging compared to field crickets. Furthermore, mole crickets create burrows underground throughout a typical growing season, e.g., from spring to early winter to feed and keep themselves safe from birds and the sun’s rays.
Believe it or not, your grass mowing habit could be a reason why crickets are suddenly appearing in your yard. Other reasons why there are so many crickets in your lawn or garden include too much debris, such as woodpiles, or food sources, such as plants and an open garbage can.
Why Are There So Many Crickets on My Lawn?
Mowing the lawn too short can serve as an invitation to these pesky insects. The easier the crickets can get to grassroots to feed, the more they’re likely to stay (and attract their kin).
The primary reason why you have so many crickets in your yard is that you mowed the grass too short. In general, grass species that have a fine texture are the most susceptible to cricket infestations.
Bahiagrass, for example, has an open growth habit that’s favorable for crickets. The same goes for St. Augustine. However, there are grass types such as zoysia that are somewhat resistant to crickets.
You can apply a pesticide spray to control these pests, or you can switch to a more resistant variety so you’d have fewer headaches in the future.
It’s not recommended that you mow the grass too short as it can make the roots more exposed than what’s necessary. Follow the appropriate height for your grass species to discourage pests such as crickets from appearing in the future.
Too much debris in the yard can also invite crickets and other insects to your outdoor space. Maintaining a clean lawn should be part of your landscape or gardening routine, especially on warm and humid days and summer weather.
You can prevent the occurrence of crickets by knowing the right mowing height for your grass species as well as clearing up debris regularly.
How to Control Crickets on Your Lawn
Controlling mole crickets in your yard is important if you want a healthy and thriving grass lawn. If you are seeing a lot of crickets then you’ll want to go ahead and apply a pesticide spray to keep their numbers down.
Cricket pesticides can be applied anytime between late spring to early summer. The reason for this is simple- they are most likely still establishing themselves in your yard and hatching eggs.
The crickets will still be in reach as they prefer to be closer to the soil surface. Dealing with crickets when they’re in the adult stage will be significantly more difficult than when they’re young and yet to establish themselves on your lawn.
Make sure to buy a pesticide solution that’s made for eliminating crickets. Some of the best ones include pyrethroid, organophosphate, and neonicotinoid products, and they all have been proven to work against the pest.
Before applying you’ll want to read the instructions on the label, as well as wear safety gear such as goggles, gloves, and a face mask. Wait for an overcast day to treat your lawn and avoid watering the grass for around two or three days so the solution won’t wash off and take effect.
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