UC IPM: UC Management Guidelines for Crickets on Cucurbits

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Cucurbits

Crickets

Scientific Name: many species in the Gryllid family

(Reviewed 11/05, updated 6/08)

In this Guideline:

Description of the pests
Damage
Management

Adult crickets are black or brown, and are 0.6 to 1 inch in length. Eggs are laid in the ground, mostly in damp places. Crickets are present in all stages all year round.

Crickets generally do not cause economic losses in cucurbits. Crickets can cause some damage initially by eating flower parts and causing poor or incomplete pollination. Also, as fruit reaches the full slip stage, this pest can enter the stem end and feed internally on the fruit. Excrement of crickets can spot melons, resulting in exterior dark stains that may affect marketing value.

Crickets are usually more of a problem near weedy areas. Clear weeds early in spring before crickets mature and begin to migrate. Treat if damaging numbers of insects are observed during field inspection.

Common name

Amount/Acre

R.E.I.+

P.H.I.+

(trade name)

(hours)

(days)

When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and honey bees. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.

CARBARYL

5% bait

20 lb

see label

MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER¹: 1A

COMMENTS: Apple pumice baits work better for crickets and grasshoppers than bran baits. Baits lose their attractiveness as they dry out. Apply in early evening to avoid drying out too soon from sun exposure. Use suitable ground or aircraft equipment that provides good distribution. A repeat application is usually necessary for effective control.

Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.

Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r116301611.html revised: September 23, 2009. Contact webmaster.

How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Cucurbits

Crickets

Scientific Name: many species in the Gryllid family

DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS

DAMAGE

MANAGEMENT

PUBLICATION