The Lassen County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures has received several calls for Mormon crickets in the past few weeks, especially in the Milford, Herlong and Constantia areas of Lassen County, and they have provided residents with some information on the pest and control methods that they suggest for homeowners and ranchers.
“Mormon crickets are flightless, ground dwelling insects native to the western United States. They are not considered true crickets, but are shield-backed, short-winged katydids that resemble fat grasshoppers.”
“Adults and nymphs are about one inch, heavy-bodied and tan in color. The antennae are as long as the body and they have a smooth, shiny exoskeleton.”
According to the Agriculture Department, Mormon crickets prefer barren, sandy soils in low desert areas. They are active during the warm, sunny parts of the day and seek shelter at night or during cloudy and rainy weather. They feed on native, herbaceous perennials, grasses, shrubs, and cultivated forage crops, which can reduce feed for grazing wildlife and livestock.
“Migrating bands damage forage plants (sagebrush, mustards, dandelions, etc.), small grains, alfalfa and most other crops. Drought also encourages outbreaks of this pest, which can lead to substantial economic losses to rangeland, cropland, and home gardens.”
They have a migratory habit, staying at one location usually three to four days. As flightless insects, they crawl and hop, moving during the favorable conditions of the day and will seek shelter and remain inactive during the hottest parts of the day.
There are several methods of control for Mormon crickets. Homeowners can erect a fence or slick barrier 18-24 inches high (chicken wire covered tightly with sheet plastic) around valuable flowerbeds and garden areas in the yard. Soil pits or water traps may also be useful at intervals to catch the crickets halted by the barriers.
There are some naturally occurring predators, including wild birds, poultry, and black wasps, which will help decrease populations.
Chemically, you can apply Carbaryl (Sevin) bait around the parameters of the areas you want to keep the crickets out of. Sevin can usually be purchased by homeowners and ranchers from your local hardware and feed stores.
There is also a non-chemical bait, PERMA-GUARD Garden and Plant Insecticide (D-21), which is a diatomaceous earth-based product that kills the insects by puncturing their exoskeleton, causing them to die from dehydration.
You can stop by the Ag Department at 175 Russell Avenue, for more information, or call 1.530.251.8110.
