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Mole Cricket IPM Guide for Florida

C. R. Kerr, N. C. Leppla, E. A. Buss, and J. H. Frank

The purpose of this guide is to help people identify mole cricket infestations and manage them effectively and economically while minimizing environmental side effects. It can be used against pest mole crickets in sites such as landscapes, golf courses, athletic fields, sod farms, pastures, and vegetable fields. The first step in determining if you have a mole cricket problem at a site is to compare the existing damage to photographs of known mole cricket infestations. If the damage is likely caused by mole crickets, specimens should be obtained and the pest identified. You then must determine if the number of mole crickets is great enough to cause an unacceptable level of damage and decide what control measures should be used. Eventually, a long-term, sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) program must be established (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Pest mole cricket management: observe damage, collect samples, identify specimens, establish a damage threshold, select management options, and develop a long-term IPM program.
Figure 1.  Pest mole cricket management: observe damage, collect samples, identify specimens, establish a damage threshold, select management options, and develop a long-term IPM program.

Section 1: Observe Damage

Plants Affected

Mole crickets are most often thought of as pests of grasses, such as bahiagrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. However, other plants that can be damaged by mole crickets include but are not limited to beet, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrot, cauliflower, chrysanthemum, chufa, coleus, collard, eggplant, gypsophila, kale, lettuce, onion, peanut, pepper, potato, rice, spinach, strawberry, sugarcane, sweet potato, tobacco, tomato, and turnip (Worsham and Reed 1912).

Damage Caused

Mole cricket feeding and tunneling can damage or kill the affected plants, especially during warm and moist summer months when the nymphs are rapidly developing. Feeding on the underground plant parts can cause an overall decline, dead patches, and little to no root mass. In pastures, mole-cricket-infested grass may be uprooted by feeding livestock, rendering the grass unavailable for additional grazing. When mole crickets tunnel in the upper ten inches of the soil surface, plants can become dislodged or have limited water uptake. Moreover, tunneling can create raised surface ridges that disrupt ball roll on golf courses (Figure 2). It may be a symptom of mole cricket activity when plants appear drought-stricken even after sufficient irrigation (Figure 3). Vegetables and other plants are also affected through underground feeding on roots or tubers, and above-ground feeding on foliage or stems, along with their tunneling activity. Above-ground feeding often results in girdling around the base of the stem, or at times the entire plant may be chewed off and taken into a tunnel as food and consumed. This girdling is especially common in seedlings. Flying adult mole crickets are attracted to lights at night, and they often burrow into moist soil nearby to mate and lay eggs. An initial adult mole cricket infestation thus may be localized around outdoor light sources and/or sprinkler heads. After egg hatch and as the next-generation nymphs mature and disperse, greater areas become damaged.

Figure 2. Characteristic mole cricket tunnels.
Figure 2.  Characteristic mole cricket tunnels.
Credit: N. Leppla, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 3. Dead patches caused by mole crickets feeding on turfgrass.
Figure 3.  Dead patches caused by mole crickets feeding on turfgrass.
Credit: E. Buss, UF/IFAS

Section 2: Collect Samples

Sampling is a critical part of a well-designed IPM program; it is important to know which pests are present and roughly how many. A soap drench can bring mole cricket nymphs and adults to the soil surface, so their species and age can be determined. How many insects emerge from the soil may provide an idea of the extent of  an infestation, but tunneling severity within a defined area may be more useful for decision-making. Below is a simple drench test for collecting specimens to be identified and for estimating mole cricket population densities. In this procedure, several 4 ft2 samples are taken from soil that must be moist:

  1. Mix ¾ oz. (1.5 tablespoons) of liquid dishwashing soap in a container with 1 gallon of water.
  2. Mark out a 2 ft. x 2 ft. area where mole cricket activity is suspected.
  3. Evenly pour the soap solution over the marked area.
  4. Observe the area for 3 minutes; count and collect the mole crickets that emerge.
  5. In many cases, control actions are justified if two or more mole crickets surface during the 3-minute sampling period. See Section 4, "Establishing Damage Threshold," for more information to help you determine whether to take action.

Section 3: Identify Pest

Three non-native pest species of mole crickets occur in Florida: the shortwinged mole cricket, Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus Scudder; the southern mole cricket, Neoscapteriscus borellii Giglio-Tos; and the tawny mole cricket, Neoscapteriscus vicinus Scudder. All three are believed to have been unintentionally transported into the southeastern United States around 1900. It is necessary to distinguish the native, non-pest mole cricket, genus Neocurtilla, from the invasive mole crickets in the genus Neoscapteriscus. Native mole crickets have four prominent dactyls (claws) on the forelegs and the pest mole crickets have two (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Differences in dactyls between native and non-native pest mole crickets.
Figure 4.  Differences in dactyls between native and non-native pest mole crickets.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 5. Identification of pest mole cricket species.
Figure 5.  Identification of pest mole cricket species.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

Mole Cricket Life Cycle

Eggs

(Figure 6): The female builds a circular egg chamber in the soil near one of the tunnels. The 3- to 4-cm-diameter chambers are placed 5–30 cm below the soil surface. Eggs are deposited in a cluster within the egg chamber, each mass containing 25–60 eggs. Eggs are gray to brownish and roughly oval, measuring about 3 mm long and 1.7 mm wide when fresh. Through the absorption of water, the eggs reach a final size of about 3.9 mm long and 2.8 mm wide. Egg development requires 10–40 days, depending on the soil temperature. A female produces 2–5 egg masses in a lifetime.

Figure 6. Shortwinged mole cricket eggs close to hatching.
Figure 6.  Shortwinged mole cricket eggs close to hatching.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

Nymphs

(Figure 7): Recently hatched nymphs, called first instars, are whitish but darken to their mature color during the first 24 hours. First instars may consume the egg shell or cannibalize siblings; however, they soon leave the egg chamber and burrow to the soil surface. Nymphs and adults are similar in appearance, except nymphs have underdeveloped external wings called wing-pads. Development time of nymphs varies, requiring 23–38 weeks during which they go through 8–10 instars before becoming adults.

Figure 7. Shortwinged mole cricket nymphs (note the lack of adult wings).
Figure 7.  Shortwinged mole cricket nymphs (note the lack of adult wings).
Credit: J. Castner, UF/IFAS

Adults

(Figure 8): Adult mole crickets are light yellow to dark brown and measure 22–33 mm in length, depending on the species. They have enlarged forelegs with dactyls, blade-like projections used for digging. Their antennae are shorter than the body, and they have two long sensory appendages called “cerci” at the tip of the abdomen. Tawny and southern mole crickets become active at dusk when each male emits a “song” from its burrow that attracts a female of the same species. They mate within the burrow, after which the female may eject the male and occupy the burrow. Unlike the other two species, the shortwinged mole cricket male produces only a weak pulsing chirp that attracts a female.

Figure 8. Tawny mole cricket adult.
Figure 8.  Tawny mole cricket adult.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

Mole Cricket Seasonal and Geographic Distribution

The Shortwinged Mole Cricket

The shortwinged mole cricket occurs mainly in coastal regions, with sandy soils (Figure 9). Because  it is flightless, the species has not spread as extensively as the other two pest mole crickets. It currently has a limited geographical range in Florida, but all life-stages can occur year-round.

Figure 9. Distribution of the shortwinged mole cricket.
Figure 9.  Distribution of the shortwinged mole cricket.
Credit: T. Walker, UF/IFAS

The Southern Mole Cricket

The southern mole cricket occurs across much of the southeastern United States from southern North Carolina to central Texas (Figure 10). It also has been reported in Yuma, Arizona, and Los Angeles County, California. It is distributed throughout Florida, occurring primarily in moist, sandy areas. This mole cricket usually has one generation per year, but it has two in southern Florida. Peak flights generally occur from April to June, with an additional minor flight around November. However, in south Florida, a second major flight usually occurs in July.

Figure 10. Distribution of the southern mole cricket.
Figure 10.  Distribution of the southern mole cricket.
Credit: T. Walker, UF/IFAS

The Tawny Mole Cricket

The tawny mole cricket occurs within several miles of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from North Carolina to eastern Texas (Figure 11). However, it is distributed throughout Florida and primarily inhabits well-drained, moist, sandy areas. This mole cricket has one full generation per year with a peak flight generally occurring in March–May, with an additional flight in the fall. Egg hatch occurs in April–June, after which nymphs develop for five months and become adults as early as September.

Figure 11. Distribution of the tawny mole cricket.
Figure 11.  Distribution of the tawny mole cricket.
Credit: T. Walker, UF/IFAS

Section 4: Establish Damage Threshold

The amount of plant damage a homeowner or site manager determines as tolerable is called the "damage threshold." It varies with the site and expectations for plant quality. On athletic fields and golf courses, the more intensive management practices, lower cutting heights, and esthetic standards may dictate lower thresholds. In vegetable production, on the other hand, acceptable levels of damage may be low during the seedling stage but higher as the plants mature. Thresholds are highly subjective and vary with the condition of the plants.

The damage mole crickets cause is related to the species, stage, and number of mole crickets that infest the site. Tawny mole crickets, for instance, cause a relatively high degree of destruction, and a range of 2-4 adult mole crickets per 4 ft2 is a general upper limit warranting management action for turf, though most managers set the damage threshold somewhat higher for pastures. The plant damage nymphs cause increases as they grow and disperse. Continue sampling and re-evaluating thresholds throughout the mole crickets' life cycle to watch for increases both in the number of mole crickets and the damage they are causing. Ultimately, the severity of a mole cricket infestation and the associated damage threshold will dictate which control options will be most effective and economical.

Section 5: Select Management Options

Options for managing mole crickets in turfgrass include cultural, biological, and chemical control. Properly integrating several options will provide the greatest level of long-term control. After verifying the species, stage, and relative abundance of mole crickets, and deciding on a reasonable action threshold, select management practices from the following options.

Cultural Control

Cultural controls are steps taken in the management of a site that can make it less attractive or supportive for mole crickets. Steps may include selecting tolerant plant cultivars, altering soil moisture, reducing attractive lighting, and changing various growing practices. Cultural controls, such as lighting, may be implemented individually or used in conjunction with other methods.

Tolerant Cultivars

No turfgrass species or cultivar is completely resistant to mole cricket damage, although centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass are considered the least frequently injured. Bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and seashore paspalum tend to be the most susceptible to damage caused by mole crickets. Table 1 in the appendix describes some susceptible and tolerant turfgrass cultivars.

Soil Moisture

Soil moisture can affect mole crickets, significantly increasing plant damage at irrigated sites. Mole crickets remain closer to the soil surface when the soil is moist but tunnel deeper when the soil is dry. Rain after a long dry period causes an increase in the number of mole crickets in flight and may increase the number attracted to lights. During periods of egg-laying, females prefer to lay more eggs in irrigated areas than in non-irrigated ones. Egg survival decreases under drought conditions. Long-term control of soil moisture generally is not an option because it would disrupt plant growth, but the response of mole crickets to soil moisture can be used to time pest management practices. For example, insecticides could be more effective if applied after irrigation that brings mole crickets closer to the soil surface. Alternatively, flooding can drown the mole crickets or force them to move to higher ground where insecticides can be applied as spot treatments.

Lighting

Mole crickets fly at dusk for 1-2 hours during which they are attracted to light, especially ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lamps. To limit the incidence of mole crickets in turfgrass, lights should be turned off at a site during times of peak flight. Conversely, lights can be used to attract mole crickets for spot treatment with insecticides. If lights are necessary, yellow bulbs or filters can be used to minimize attraction of mole crickets.

Tillage

The objective of tilling is to expose mole crickets to predation or desiccation and kill them mechanically. Feeding by birds may be promoted by tilling, for example. In addition to exposing or damaging the insects, tilling can destroy their burrows and cause them to relocate. Tilling generally is not used on turfgrasses but can be effective on agricultural sites. Till when eggs and young nymphs are present because these life stages are more palatable to birds and less able to resist desiccation, so they are more likely to be killed than adults.

Plant Health

The plant's health can affect its tolerance to damage by mole crickets. Maintaining proper fertilization, irrigation, and soil conditions is important. For turfgrasses, leaving sufficient shoot growth after mowing is important because cutting too close increases stress on the grass. Mowing height recommendations are given in Table 2 in the appendix. For pastures, overgrazing should be avoided as this can cause significant stress to the grass.

Record Keeping

Areas that historically have been infested by mole crickets are likely to be re-infested. It therefore is important to document and map these preferred mole cricket habitats. Monitor these areas intensively so that you can implement control measures quickly before damage thresholds are exceeded.

Biological Control

Biological control is the use of living natural enemies to control pests. Natural enemies can be predators, parasites, pathogens, or competitors. Populations of some natural enemies may be enhanced by habitat manipulation. In some cases, natural enemies can be produced in large quantities and released at sites that have too few established natural enemies to effectively limit pest populations, keeping them below the damage thresholds. For pest mole crickets in Florida, widespread applications have been made of the entomopathogenic mole cricket nematode, Steinernema scapterisci, in addition to releases of the Larra wasp, Larra bicolor, and Brazilian red-eyed fly, Ormia depleta. These non-native natural enemies were imported, tested for safety and released by the UF/IFAS Mole Cricket Biological Control Program (Mhina et al. 2016). All are currently present in Florida, but none are available commercially. Specifics on the importation and introduction of these three natural enemies are described by Frank and Walker (2006).

Mole Cricket Nematode

This nematode (Figure 12) was introduced from South America and widely applied across Florida as a biopesticide until 2012. It infects large nymphs and adults, reproducing inside them to yield additional generations of nematodes. These parasites are not normally observed outside the host; they are spread throughout an area by the infected mole crickets.

Figure 12. Steinernema scapterisci nematodes emerging from an adult mole cricket in the laboratory.
Figure 12.  Steinernema scapterisci nematodes emerging from an adult mole cricket in the laboratory.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

Larra Wasp

This wasp (Figures 13 and 14) was introduced from South America into south Florida in 1981, and again into north Florida in 1988, to control pest mole crickets. It parasitizes only Neoscapteriscus spp. and does not sting people, so it was safe to release. The wasp is black with a red abdomen, and its wings are clear to smoky dark blue. A female usually lays one egg on each mole cricket it finds. The egg hatches in 6–7 days, the larva feeds on the mole cricket for 10–11 days and kills it, then pupates in a cocoon in the soil. A new adult emerges roughly 6 weeks later during the warmer months, but those that pupate in the fall may not become adults until the following Spring. Larra wasps lay eggs only on mole cricket adults and medium to large nymphs.

Figure 13. Larra wasp laying an egg onto a tawny mole cricket adult.
Figure 13.  Larra wasp laying an egg onto a tawny mole cricket adult.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 14. Larra wasp larva feeding on a tawny mole cricket adult.
Figure 14.  Larra wasp larva feeding on a tawny mole cricket adult.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

Larra wasps require a nectar source for their survival. The shrubby false buttonweed, Spermacoce verticillata (a.k.a. larraflower), is the preferred nectar source (Figure 15). White flowered pentas, Pentas lanceolata, and partridge pea, Chamaechrista fasciculata, are alternative nectar sources. If either of these plants or other nectar sources are available, larra wasps will appear and forage at least 200 yards from them to locate mole crickets. Larraflower can be invasive, so it should be contained. Partridge pea may be toxic if consumed by livestock.

Figure 15. Larra wasp feeding on S. verticillata nectar.
Figure 15.  Larra wasp feeding on S. verticillata nectar.
Credit: L. Buss, UF/IFAS

 

Distribution

By the end of 2008, the larra wasp had spread into much of north and central Florida and had penetrated into parts of south Florida (Figure 16). It also expanded its range into southern and eastern Georgia and coastal areas of Alabama and Mississippi. More recently it has been reported from eastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina. In northern Florida, larra wasp adults are active from late April until the first hard frost; in southern Florida, activity may persist year-round, offering even greater mole cricket suppression.

Figure 16. Distribution of larra wasp in Florida.
Figure 16.  Distribution of larra wasp in Florida.
Credit: J. H. Frank, UF/IFAS

 

Brazilian Red-Eyed Fly

This tachinid fly was introduced from South America to suppress invasive mole crickets. The Brazilian red-eyed fly is distributed in the southern and central parts of Florida with the northern boundary reaching Alachua County (Figure 17). The fly parasitizes a pest mole cricket adult by depositing a larva nearby, the larva finds the adult, develops inside it, and kills it. Golf courses inhabited by the Brazilian red-eyed fly have considerably less damage than those without the fly.

Figure 17. Distribution of Brazilian red-eyed fly in Florida.
Figure 17.  Distribution of Brazilian red-eyed fly in Florida.
Credit: J. H. Frank, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 18. Brazilian red-eyed fly pupa next to a mole cricket.
Figure 18.  Brazilian red-eyed fly pupa next to a mole cricket.
Credit: L. Buss, UF

 

Figure 19. Brazilian red-eyed fly.
Figure 19.  Brazilian red-eyed fly.
Credit: L. Buss, UF

 

Mole Cricket Predators

Naturally occurring predators of mole crickets include raccoons, opossums, armadillos, birds, spiders, tiger beetles, and many other insectivorous animals. Unfortunately, foraging by some of these predators, especially armadillos, can cause considerable damage to turfgrass.

Chemical Control

Mole cricket IPM includes the use of insecticides when necessary; however, applications can be expensive and disruptive to biological control. Apply an insecticide only when the plant damage threshold is met or exceeded, and follow the instructions on the label. Time applications and target them to infested areas, thus reducing costs and environmental risks. On golf courses, for example, it’s frequently most effective to apply insecticides only to fairways, greens, and tees, leaving roughs and driving ranges untreated to maintain populations of beneficial organisms. Small mole cricket nymphs feeding and growing during the summer months are more susceptible to insecticides than large nymphs present in late summer and fall.

Table 3 lists selected insecticide active ingredients for products that are currently registered for use in Florida on pest mole crickets in residential lawns, golf courses and athletic fields, pastures, vegetables, and sod farms. To minimize resistance to insecticides, active ingredients should be rotated based on the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) group numbers. The table and associated appendix in this publication serve as guides only: keep in mind that the information in them can become outdated if insecticide registrations change.

The appendix includes Table 5that lists registered insecticide products formulated with the active ingredients listed in Table 3. Restricted-use insecticides are to be applied by a licensed applicator. You must read and understand the current product label before applying any insecticide. The label lists all specific sites and pests for which an insecticide may be applied legally. It also displays a signal word indicating the relative toxicity of the product to mammals: slightly toxic (CAUTION), moderately toxic (WARNING), or highly toxic (DANGER).

Section 6: Establish IPM Program

Develop a long-term, site-specific IPM program by combining cultural, biological, and chemical control measures to suppress pest mole crickets to levels that assure plant damage thresholds are not exceeded and that minimize costs and risks to humans and the environment. The program is based on plant selection and growing practices and mole cricket biology and management options.

The following are guidelines for developing an IPM program for turfgrass:

  1. Use a tolerant grass cultivar or species, such as centipedegrass or zoysiagrass.
  2. Maintain healthy grass with proper irrigation and cutting.
  3. Perform routine soil testing and add fertilizer or lime as needed.
  4. Reduce watering during winter months; mole crickets require moist soil.
  5. Plant a nectar source, such as larraflower or partridge pea, to attract and support Larra wasp populations.
  6. Eliminate lights from sunset to well past dark during months of peak mole cricket flight.
  7. Sample regularly for mole crickets; 2–4 per 4 ft2 may require management.
  8. Apply insecticides at infested sites only if plant damage thresholds are exceeded; evaluate their effectiveness.
  9. Target and map areas that become infested.
  10. Rotate insecticide active ingredients (IRAC numbers and letters) to delay pesticide resistance.

Acknowledgments

This project was supported by USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, CPPM, IPM grant No. 2017-70006-27149  and the Southern IPM Center.

Selected References

Abraham C. M., Held D. W., and Wheeler C. 2010. Seasonal and diurnal activity of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) and potential ornamental plants as nectar sources. Applied Turfgrass Science. https://doi.org/10.1094/ATS-2010-0312-01-RS

Anonymous. 2021. Pest Mole Crickets and Their Control. UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/pestmolecrickets/index.htm (June 2021)

Braman S. K., Duncan R. R., Hanna W. W., and Hudson W. G. 2000. Evaluation of turfgrasses for resistance to mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). HortScience 35:665–668. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.35.4.665

Braman S. K., Pendley A. F., Carrow R. N., and Engelke M. C. 1994. Potential resistance in zoysiagrasses to tawny mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). Florida Entomologist 77:301–305. https://doi.org/10.2307/3496099

Capinera J. L. and Leppla N. C. 2001. Scapteriscus abbreviatus Scudder (Insecta: Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). Featured Creatures, UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/turf/pest_mole_crickets.htm (June 2021)

Capinera J. L. and Leppla N. C. 2007. Shortwinged Mole Cricket, Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus Scudder; Southern Mole Cricket, Neoscapteriscus borellii Giglio-Tos; and Tawny Mole Cricket, Neoscapteriscus vicinus Scudder (Insecta: Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). EENY-235. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in391 (June 2021)

Chong J. 2009. Comparative efficacy of neonicotinoids and selected insecticides in suppressing tunneling activity of mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) in turfgrass. Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology 26:135–146. https://doi.org/10.3954/1523-5475-26.3.135

Dillman, A. R., Cronin, C. J., Tang, J., Gray, D. A., and Sternberg, P. W. 2014. A modified mole cricket lure and description of Scapteriscus borellii (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) range expansion and calling song in California. Environmental Entomology 43:146-156. https://doi.org/10.1603/EN13152

Frank J. H. and Parkman J. P. 1999. Integrated pest management of pest mole crickets with emphasis on the southeastern USA. Integrated Pest Management Review 4:39–52. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009628915989

Frank J. H. and Walker T. J. 2006. Permanent control of pest mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae: Scapteriscus) in Florida. American Entomologist 52:138–144. https://doi.org/10.1093/ae/52.3.138

Frank J. H., Walker T. J., and Parkman J. P. 1996. The introduction, establishment and spread of Ormia depleta in Florida. Biological Control 6: 368–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012265040-6/50001-1

Held, D. W. and Xu, Y. 2015. Field Performance and Consumption of Indoxacarb Bait for Control of Mole Crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) in Turfgrass. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management 1:1-6. https://doi.org/10.2134/cftm2015.0132

Hertl, P. T. and Brandenburg, R. L. 1996. Control of Mole Crickets on Golf Course Fairways in North Carolina, 1995. Arthropod Management Tests 21:333-334. https://doi.org/10.1093/amt/21.1.333a

Hertl P. T. and Brandenburg R. L. 2002. Effect of soil moisture and time of year on mole cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) surface tunneling. Environmental Entomology 31:476–481.

Hertl P. T. and Brandenburg R. L. 2013. First record of Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in North Carolina. Florida Entomologist 96:1175–1176.

Kostromytska O. S., Buss E. A., and Scharf M. E. 2011. Toxicity and neurophysiological effects of selected insecticides on the mole cricket, Scapteriscus vicinus (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 100:27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2011.01.012

Kostromytska, O. S., Scharf, M. E., and Buss, E. A. 2018. Behavioral responses of pest mole crickets, Neoscapteriscus spp.(Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae), to selected insecticides. Pest Management Science 74:547-556. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.4732

Mhina, G. J, Leppla, N. C. Thomas, M. H., and Solís, D. 2016. Cost effectiveness of biological control of invasive mole crickets in Florida pastures. Biological Control 100:108–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2016.05.017

Parkman J. P., Frank J. H., Walker T. J., and Schuster D. J. 1996. Classical biological control of Scapteriscus spp. (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) in Florida. Environmental Entomology 25:1415–1420. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/25.6.1415

Portman S. L., Frank J. H., McSorley R., and Leppla, N. C. 2010. Nectar-seeking and host-seeking by Larra bicolor (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), a parasitoid of Scapteriscus mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). Environmental Entomology 39:939–943. https://doi.org/10.1603/EN09268

Reinert, J. A. 1996. Late season control of mole crickets on high maintenance turf in Texas, 1995. Arthropod Management Tests 21:334-334. https://doi.org/10.1093/amt/21.1.334

Reinert J. A. and Busey P. 2001. Host resistance to tawny mole cricket, Scapteriscus vicinus, in Bermudagrass, Cynodon spp. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 9:793–797.

Rohde, B. B., Allen, P. E., Benda, N., Brun, A., Mankin, R. W., and Dale, A. G. 2019. An acoustic trap to survey and capture two Neoscapteriscus species. Florida Entomologist 102:654-657. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0316

Thompson, S. R. and Brandenburg, R. L. 2005. Tunneling responses of mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) to the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Environmental Entomology 34:140-147. https://doi.org/10.1603/0046-225X-34.1.140

Trenholm, L. E., Unruh, J. B., and Cisar, J. L. 2001. Mowing Your Florida Lawn. ENH-10. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH028 (June 2021)

Ulagaraj S. M. 1975. Mole crickets: ecology, behavior, and dispersal flight (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae: Scapteriscus). Environmental Entomology 4:265–273. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/4.2.265

Walker T. J. and Moore T. E. 2013. Singing insects of North America. http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/walker/Buzz/ (June 2021)

Walker T. J., Reinert J. A., and Schuster D. J. 1983. Geographical variation in flights of mole crickets, Scapteriscus spp. (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 76: 507–517. https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/76.3.507

Worsham, E. L. and Reed, W. V. 1912. The Mole Cricket: Scapteriscus didactylus Latr. Georgia Experiment Station Bulletin No. 101: 251–263.

Appendix

The applicator holds full responsibility in verifying the legal usage and assumes all associated liability when applying any pesticide. Before applying an insecticide, verify that your target pest and specific site of application are authorized by consulting the product’s label and always wear proper personal protective equipment.

Tables

Table 1. 

Some tolerant and susceptible cultivars of turfgrass species.

Turfgrass

Generally Susceptible Cultivars

Generally Tolerant

Cultivars

Bahiagrass

Pensacola, Tifton 9, and Sand Mountain

Argentine and Paraguay 22

(tolerance can be low)

Bermudagrass

Tifdwarf, Tifgreen, Sunturf, Texturf-10 and Texturf-1F

Ormond, Tifsport,Tifeagle, Tifway, Tifton-44

Centipedegrass

Most cultivars generally tolerant

Seashore Paspalum

Most cultivars generally susceptible

St. Augustinegrass

Bitterblue

Most cultivars generally tolerant

Zoysiagrass

Royal and Meyer

Diamond, Palisades, Emerald, Cavalier

Table 2. 

Turfgrass mowing height recommendations.

Turgrass

Recommended mowing height

Bahiagrass

3–4"

Bermudagrass

Cultivar and utility dependent

Centipedegrass

1–1.5"

St. Augustine Dwarfs

2–2.5"

St. Augustine Standards

3.5–4"

Zoysiagrass

2–2.5"

Source: Dr. L. E. Trenholm, UF/IFAS

Table 3. Selected insecticides for controlling mole crickets (compiled by N. C. Leppla).

Active ingredient products

IRAC GroupApplication range total/yrReentry interval

Applications product details

Acephate Orthene

1B

GC, 1-2 oz/gal.

S, 1 1/3-1 ½ oz/gal.

24 h

GC, S

allow 3 d to harvest

Bifenthrin Talstar

3A

0.5-1.0 oz/1000 ft2

Up to 10 gal/1000 ft2

12 h

RL, GC, V, S

water in

Carbaryl Sevin

1A

RL, 0.75-0.9 lbs/1000 ft2, 4 appl./yr

Dry surface

RL, GC, P, V, S

Chlorpyrifos Lorsban, Dursban

1B

1.5 oz/1000 ft2

2 lbs AI/acre/yr

24 h

GC, S

Apply to wet surface

Clothianidin Arena

4A

0.29 oz (1-5 gal)/1000 ft2, 0.4 lb/acre/yr

Dry surface

RL, S

Apply to early instars

Fipronil Chipco Choice

2B4.6-9.4 oz/1000 ft2 50 lbs/yr24 h

RL, GC, S

avoid water bodies
RL= Residential lawns, GC= Golf courses and athletic fields, P=Pastures, V=Vegetables, S=Sod farm.
Table 4. 

Mole cricket stages and partial IPM program for North Central Florida.

 

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Event

Adult flights

  

X

X

X

X

  

X

X

X

 

Egg hatch

   

X

X

X

X

X

   

 

Nymph development

X

X

X

  

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Action

Sample

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Reduce watering

X

 

 

       

X

X

Reduce lighting

  

X

X

X

X

  

X

X

X

 

 

Table 5. 

Insecticide active ingredients and products registered for controlling mole crickets at selected sites in Florida.

Azadirachtin

SAFER BRAND BIONEEM MULTI-PURPOSE INSECTICIDE & REPELLENT CONCENTRATE

SAFER BRAND GRUB KILLER READY-TO-SPRAY

NEEMIX 4.5

 

Beauveria bassiana

Botanigard ES

Mycotrol O

 

beta-Cyfluthrin

BAYER ADVANCED TRIPLE ACTION INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS

BAYER ADVANCED POWER FORCE MULTI-INSECT KILLER

TEMPO ULTRA GC INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

beta-Cyfluthrin & Imidacloprid

BAYER ADVANCED COMPLETE BRAND INSECT KILLER FOR SOIL & TURF

BAYER ADVANCED COMPLETE INSECT KILLER FOR SOIL & TURF

BAYER ADVANCED LAWN COMPLETE INSECT KILLER FOR SOIL & TURF

 

Bifenthrin

ACTISHIELD LIQUID INSECTICIDE

BASELINE FLORIDA INSECTICIDE

BASELINE INSECTICIDE

BASIC SOLUTIONS LAWN & GARDEN INSECT KILLER GRANULES

BIFEN I/T INSECTICIDE/TERMITICIDE

BIFEN L/P INSECTICIDE GRANULES

BIFEN XTS

BIFENTHRIN GC GRANULES (Restricted Use)

BISECT G (Restricted Use)

BISECT L

BONIDE EIGHT INSECT CONTROL FLOWER & VEGETABLE ABOVE & BELOW SOIL INSECT GRANULES

BONIDE INSECT & FEED

BROADCIDE FLOWABLE INSECTICIDE GC (Restricted Use)

BROADCIDE GRANULAR INSECTICIDE GC (Restricted Use)

CARPETMAKER X-X-X WITH 0.069 TALSTAR GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

COMPARE-N-SAVE CONCENTRATED INDOOR/OUTDOOR INSECT CONTROL

COMPARE-N-SAVE LAWN INSECT CONTROL GRANULES

FERTILIZER W/TALSTAR 0.069%

FERTILIZER W/TALSTAR 0.096%

FERTILIZER W/TALSTAR 0.2%

FERTI-LOME BROAD SPECTRUM INSECTICIDE

FORTIFY INSECT CONTROL

FORTIFY PHOSPHORUS FREE INSECT CONTROL PLUS LAWN FOOD 18-0-5

GREEN THUMB PREMIUM FERTILIZER + INSECT CONTROL 30-3-4

GREEN THUMB PREMIUM INSECT CONTROL GRANULES

GREEN THUMB SUMMER INSECT CONTROL + LAWN FERTILIZER (25-0-5)

GROWERS FERTILIZER WITH 0.083% BIFENTHRIN

HEAVY WEIGHT MULTI-INSECT & FIRE ANT KILLER GRANULES

HI-YIELD BUG BLASTER BIFENTHRIN 2.4

HI-YIELD BUG BLASTER II TURF INSECT CONTROL GRANULES

HI-YIELD VEGETABLE & ORNAMENTAL INSECT CONTROL GRANULES

HJE BIFENTHRIN PL GRANULAR

HY-END BIFEN S

KGRO READY TO USE HOME PEST INSECT CONTROL

LAWNSTAR GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

LESCO CROSSCHECK 0.069% PLUS FERTILIZER

LESCO CROSSCHECK EZ GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

LESCO CROSSCHECK PL GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

LESCO CROSSCHECK PLUS MULTI-INSECTICIDE

LESCO TALSTAR 0.069% PLUS FERTILIZER

LESCO TALSTAR 0.096% PLUS FERTILIZER

MASTERLINE BIFENTHRIN 7.9 TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

MAXXTHOR SC

MAXXTHOR SG

MENACE 7.9% FLOWABLE (Restricted Use)

MOLE CRICKET - CHINCH BUG LAWN SPRAY RTS

MONTEREY TURF & ORNAMENTAL INSECT SPRAY

ONYX INSECTICIDE

ONYXPRO INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

ORTHO ANT, FLEA & TICK KILLER FOR LAWNS READY TO USE GRANULES

ORTHO BUG B GON MAX INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS

ORTHO BUG BGON MAX LAWN & GARDEN INSECT KILLER 1

ORTHO MAX PRO

PRO-MATE BIFENTHRIN

PRO-MATE TALSTAR GC 0.069% WITH FERTILIZER (Restricted Use)

PRO-MATE TALSTAR LG 0.069% WITH FERTILIZER

QUALI-PRO BIFENTHRIN I/T 7.9 F

SCOTTS PROFESSIONAL FERTILIZER X-X-X WITH ORTHO MAX PRO

SENTRYHOME YARD AND PREMISE SPRAY CONCENTRATE

SERGEANT'S YARD & PREMISE SPRAY CONCENTRATE

 

Bifenthrin & Imidacloprid

ALLECTUS G INSECTICIDE

PRO-MATE ALLECTUS 0.225% PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

THE ANDERSONS TURF PRODUCTS FERTILIZER WITH ALLECTUS INSECTICIDE

LESCO ALLECTUS 0.225 INSECTICIDE PLUS FERTILIZER

SIGNATURE ALLECTUS 0.225 G PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

TURFPRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.225G ALLECTUS INSECTICIDE

TCS GROWSTAR ALLECTUS 0.225 G PLUS TURF FERTILIZER INSECTICIDE

LESCO ALLECTUS 0.18 G PLUS FERTILIZER

TCS GROWSTAR ALLECTUS 0.18 G PLUS TURF FERTILIZER INSECTICIDE

PRO-MATE ALLECTUS 0.15% PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

TURFPRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.15G ALLECTUS INSECTICIDE

 

Bifenthrin & Zeta-Cypermethrin

ORTHO BUG B GON INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS (2)

TALSTAR XTRA GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

ORTHO BUG B GON INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS & GARDENS

TALSTAR XTRA GC GRANULAR INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

TALSTAR XTRA GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

 

Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid & Zeta-Cypermethrin

TRIPLE CROWN T&O INSECTICIDE

Carbaryl

CARBAIT 5

SA-50 MOLE CRICKET BAIT

 

Carbaryl & Bifenthrin

FORTIFY ABOVE & BELOW INSECT & GRUB CONTROL

THE ANDERSONS TURF PRODUCTS DUOCIDE INSECT CONTROL

 

Clothianidin

CHINCH BUG KILLER WITH ARENA

GREEN LIGHT CHINCH BUG KILLER1 WITH ARENA

GREEN LIGHT GRUB CONTROL WITH ARENA

 

Clothianidin & Bifenthrin

ALOFT GC G (Restricted Use—not labeled for use in Florida)

 

Cyfluthrin

BAYER ADVANCED POWER FORCE MULTI-INSECT KILLER

BAYER ADVANCED VEGETABLE & GARDEN INSECT SPRAY

BAYER ADVANCED TRIPLE ACTION INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS & GARDENS

TEMPO 20 WP GOLF COURSE INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

Cypermethrin

CYPER TC INSECTICIDE

CYPER-LO EC

DEMON MAX

UP-CYDE PRO 2.0 EC TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

Deltamethrin

DELTAGARD G INSECTICIDE GRANULE

DELTAGARD T&O GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

HI-YIELD IMPORTED FIRE ANT CONTROL GRANULES CONTAINING DELTAMETHRIN

HI-YIELD TURF RANGER INSECT CONTROL GRANULES CONTAINING DELTAMETHRIN

SUSPEND SC INSECTICIDE

TERRO HOME INSECT KILLER

 

Esfenvalerate

FENVASTAR ECOCAP

ONSLAUGHT MICROENCAPSULATED INSECTICIDE

 

Fipronil

CHIPCO CHOICE INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

QUALI-PRO FIPRONIL 0.1G (Restricted Use)

 

gamma-Cyhalothrin

OPTIMATE CS

SPECTRACIDE ACRE PLUS TRIAZICIDE INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS & LANDSCAPES

SPECTRACIDE BUG STOP HOME BARRIER REFILL

SPECTRACIDE TRIAZICIDE INSECT KILLER FOR LAWNS

SPECTRACIDE TRIAZICIDE INSECT KILLER ONCE & DONE!

 

Imidacloprid

AGRISEL IMIDAPRO 2SC INSECTICIDE

ANDERSONS GOLF PRODUCTS TURF FERTILIZER 14-0-14 WITH MERIT

ARMOR TECH IMD 2SC

BAYER ADVANCED LAWN SEASON-LONG GRUB CONTROL

BAYER ADVANCED SEASON LONG GRUB CONTROL

BONIDE SYSTEMIC INSECT SPRAY WITH SYSTEMAXX

CRITERION 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

CRITERION 2F INSECTICIDE

CRITERION 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

DELPHI INSECTICIDE

DOMINION 2L TERMITIICIDE/INSECTICIDE

ENFORCE 0.5G TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

ENFORCE 75WSP TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

EQUIL ADONIS 2F INSECTICIDE

EQUIL ADONIS 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

Imidacloprid cont.

FERTILIZER W/MERIT 0.15%

FERTILIZER W/MERIT 0.2%

FERTI-LOME SYSTEMIC INSECT SPRAY

FORTIFY SEASON LONG GRUB CONTROL

GARANT T&O 2F INSECTICIDE

GARANT T&O 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

GORDON'S GRUB NO-MORE GRANULES

GORDON'S PROFESSIONAL TURF & ORNAMENTAL PRODUCTS IMIDIPRO

GRUBEX

GRUBEX II

HI-YIELD GRUB FREE ZONE II

HI-YIELD GRUB FREE ZONE III

HI-YIELD SYSTEMIC INSECT SPRAY

IMIDASTAR 2L T&O

IMIGOLD 0.5 G

IMIGOLD 2 F

IMIGOLD 70 DF TURF, ORNAMENTAL AND GREENHOUSE INSECTICIDE

INVICT BLITZ ANT GRANULES

INVICT XPRESS GRANULAR BAIT

KNOCKOUT READY TO USE GRUB KILLER GRANULES

LADA 2F INSECTICIDE

LESCO BANDIT 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

LESCO BANDIT 2F INSECTICIDE

LESCO BANDIT 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

LESCO MERIT 0.2 PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

LESCO MERIT 0.2 PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

LESCO SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE CONTAINS MERIT

MALICE 0.5G

MALICE 75 WSP

MALLET 7.1% PF INSECTICIDE

MARTIN'S DOMINION TREE & SHRUB

MERIT 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

MERIT 2F INSECTICIDE

MERIT 75 WP INSECTICIDE

MERIT 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

MIDASH 2SC T&O

PHOENIX HAWK-I 75WSP

PHOENIX HAWK-I 2L

PRIMERAONE IMIDACLOPRID 2F INSECTICIDE

PROFESSIONAL TURF SOLUTIONS WITH MERIT FERTILIZER

PROKOZ ZENITH 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

PROKOZ ZENITH 2F INSECTICIDE

PROKOZ ZENITH 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

PRO-MATE MERIT 0.2% PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

PROTHOR SC 2

QUALI-PRO IMIDACLOPRID 0.5G INSECTICIDE

QUALI-PRO IMIDACLOPRID 75 WSB

REGAL MERIT 0.2 PLUS

SCOTTS FERTILIZER X-X-X WITH GRUBEX PRO

SCOTTS PROFESSIONAL FERTILIZER X-X-X WITH GRUBEX

SIGNATURE FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT

SPECTRACIDE GRUB KILLER CONCENTRATE

SPECTRACIDE TREE & SHRUB INSECT CONTROL

TCS GROWSTAR MERIT 0.2 PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

THE ANDERSONS GRUBOUT DG 0.2% INSECTICIDE

THE ANDERSONS TURF PRODUCTS FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT INSECTICIDE

TURF PRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT

TURFTHOR WP

TURFTHOR WSP

XYTECT 2F INSECTICIDE

XYTECT 75WSP INSECTICIDE

 

Imidacloprid & lambda-Cyhalothrin

LESCO INSECTUS PLUS FERTILIZER

BONIDE DURATURF INSECT & GRUB CONTROL

 

Indoxacarb

ADVION INSECT GRANULE

PROVAUNT

lambda-Cyhalothrin

BORDER INSECTICIDE

CUTTER BACKYARD BUG CONTROL CONCENTRATE

CYZMIC CS

DEMAND CS INSECTICIDE

DEMAND EZ INSECTICIDE

DEMAND G INSECTICIDE

EQUIL LAMBDA 9.7 CS INSECTICIDE

GRENADE ER

LAMBDA-CY EC INSECTICIDE

LAMBDASTAR 9.7% CS

MARTIN'S CYONARA LAWN & GARDEN INSECT CONTROL

MARTIN'S CYONARA LAWN & GARDEN INSECT CONTROL READY TO SPRAY

PATROL

SCIMITAR CS INSECTICIDE

SENTRY HOMEGUARD YARD SPRAY

SPECTRACIDE BUG STOP INDOOR PLUS OUTDOOR INSECT KILLER CONCENTRATE

SPECTRACIDE FIRE ANT KILLER YARD PROTECTION GRANULES

SUNNILAND CHINCH BUG GRANULES

SURRENDER BRAND PESTABS INSECTICIDE

TERRO ANT KILLER PLUS MULTI-PURPOSE INSECT CONTROL 2

 

Permethrin

ADAMS PLUS YARD SPRAY

ASTRO INSECTICIDE

BIO SPOT YARD & GARDEN SPRAY

BONIDE EIGHT INSECT CONTROL YARD & GARDEN READY TO SPRAY

DRAGNET SFR TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

ENFORCER OUTDOOR INSECT KILLER CONCENTRATE

GORDON'S BUG NO-MORE MULTI-PURPOSE

GROUNDWORK CONCENTRATE MULTI-INSECT KILLER2

HI-YIELD 38 PLUS TURF, TERMITE & ORNAMENTAL INSECT CONTROL

HI-YIELD INDOOR/OUTDOOR BROAD USE INSECTICIDE

MARTIN'S PERMETHRIN SFR TERMITICIDE/ INSECTICIDE

OPTI-GRO GROUND ASSAULT (Restricted Use)

P-37 II INSECTICIDE CONCENTRATE

PERMASTAR PRO PERMETHRIN TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

PERMETHRIN 10% RAPID KILL INSECTICIDE CONCENTRATE

PERMETHRIN 3.2 AG (Restricted Use)

PERMETHRIN 3.2 EC (Restricted Use)

PERMETHRIN E PRO TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

PERM-UP 3.2 EC INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

PRE STRIKE YARD & GARDEN SPRAY

PRELUDE TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

PRENTOX PERM-X 1-E

PROZAP INSECTRIN X CONCENTRATE

REALITY TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

SA-50 SOUTHERN AG PERMETROL 10% PERMETHRIN EC

SUNNILAND CHINCH BUG SPRAY

TENGARD SFR ONE SHOT TERMITICIDE/INSECTICIDE

TENKOZ PERMETHRIN 3.2 EC INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

VET KEM YARD SPRAY SIPHOTROL

ZODIAC YARD & GARDEN SPRAY

 

Piperonyl butoxide, Esfenvalerate & Prallethrin

ONSLAUGHT FAST CAP SPIDER & SCORPION INSECTICIDE

 

Thiamethoxam

MAXIDE PROFESSIONAL GRADE DUAL ACTION GRUB KILLER

MERIDIAN 0.33G

MERIDIAN 25WG

 

Thiamethoxam & Azoxystrobin

CARAVAN G

 

Thiamethoxam & lambda-Cyhalothrin

AMDRO QUICK KILL LAWN & LANDSCAPE INSECT KILLER GRANULES

MAXIDE DUAL ACTION INSECT KILLER

MAXIDE PROFESSIONAL GRADE DUAL ACTION INSECT KILLER

TANDEM

 

Trichlorfon

BAYER ADVANCED 24 HOUR GRUB KILLER PLUS I READY-TO-SPREAD GRANULES

DYLOX 420 SL TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

DYLOX 6.2 GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

DYLOX 80 TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

 

Zeta-Cypermethrin

AMDRO PEST BLOCK HOME PERIMETER READY-TO-SPRAY

AMDRO POWERFLEX YARD & PERIMETER OUTDOOR INSECT KILLER

AMDRO QUICK KILL LAWN & LANDSCAPE INSECT KILLER CONCENTRATE

Table 6. 

Active ingredients contained in insecticide products registered for golf courses and athletic fields.

Acephate

ACEPHATE 90 PRILL

ACEPHATE 90 SP SOLUBLE POWDER

ACEPHATE 90 WDG

ACEPHATE 90 WSP INSECTICIDE

ACEPHATE 97 DF

ACEPHATE 97% PRILLS

ACEPHATE 97UP INSECTICIDE

BRACKET 90 WDG

BRACKET 97

BRACKET 97

CHEMINOVA ACEPHATE 75SP

CHEMINOVA ACEPHATE 90SP

ORTHENE 97

ORTHENE TURF, TREE & ORNAMENTAL 97 SPRAY

ORTHENE TURF, TREE & ORNAMENTAL WSP

TENKOZ ACEPHATE 97 INSECTICIDE

TIDE ACEPHATE 90 WDG

 

beta-Cyfluthrin

TEMPO ULTRA GC INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

Bifenthrin

BIFEN 2 AG GOLD (Restricted Use)

BIFENTHRIN GC GRANULES (Restricted Use)

BISECT G (Restricted Use)

BROADCIDE FLOWABLE INSECTICIDE GC (Restricted Use)

BROADCIDE GRANULAR INSECTICIDE GC (Restricted Use)

FIREBIRD PRO (Restricted Use)

GROWERS FERTILIZER WITH 0.083% BIFENTHRIN

LESCO TALSTAR 0.073% PLUS FERTILIZER (Restricted Use)

MENACE GC 7.9% FLOWABLE (Restricted Use)

ONYXPRO INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

PHOENIX FIREBIRD PRO (Restricted Use)

PRO-MATE TALSTAR GC 0.069% WITH FERTILIZER (Restricted Use)

QUALI-PRO BIFENTHRIN GOLF & NURSERY 7.9F (Restricted Use)

TALSTAR GC GRANULAR INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

TALSTAR SELECT INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

TURF PRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.069% BIFENTHRIN INSECTICIDE PROFUSION PROCESS

TURF PRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.096% BIFENTHRIN INSECTICIDE PROFUSION PROCESS

UP-STAR GC GRANULAR INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

UP-STAR SC LAWN AND NURSERY INSECTICIDE/MITICIDE (Restricted Use)

Bifenthrin & Imidacloprid

ALLECTUS GC GRANULAR INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

ATERA GC 2+1 SC INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

LESCO ALLECTUS 0.18 GC PLUS FERTILIZER (Restricted Use)

TCS GROWSTAR ALLECTUS 0.225 GC PLUS TURF FERTILIZER (Restricted Use)

TURFPRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.15GC ALLECTUS (Restricted Use)

TURFPRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.225GC ALLECTUS (Restricted Use

 

Bifenthrin & zeta-Cypermethrin

TALSTAR XTRA GC GRANULAR INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid & zeta-Cypermethrin

TRIPLE CROWN GOLF INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

Carbaryl & Bifenthrin

ANDERSONS GOLF PRODUCTS DUOCIDE INSECT CONTROL (Restricted Use)

 

Chlorpyrifos

CHLORPYRIFOS 4E AG (Restricted Use)

DREXEL CHLORPYRIFOS 4E-AG (Restricted Use)

NUFARM CHLORPYRIFOS SPC 1.0% MCB INSECTICIDE

NUFARM CHLORPYRIFOS SPC 2 INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

NUFARM CHLORPYRIFOS SPC 2.32% G INSECTICIDE

NUFARM CHLORPYRIFOS SPC 4 INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

QUALI-PRO CHLORPYRIFOS 4E (Restricted Use)

SA-50 CHLORPYRIFOS 1% MOLE CRICKET BAIT

VULCAN (Restricted Use)

 

Cyfluthrin

TEMPO 20 WP GOLF COURSE INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

 

Fipronil

CHIPCO CHOICE INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

QUALI-PRO FIPRONIL 0.1G (Restricted Use)

 

Imidacloprid

AGRISEL IMIDAPRO 2SC INSECTICIDE

ANDERSONS GOLF PRODUCTS TURF FERTILIZER 14-0-14 WITH MERIT INSECTICIDE

ARMOR TECH IMD 2SC

ARMORTECH IMD75

CRITERION 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

CRITERION 2F INSECTICIDE

CRITERION 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

ENFORCE 0.5G TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

ENFORCE 75WSP TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

EQUIL ADONIS 2F INSECTICIDE

EQUIL ADONIS 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

FERTILIZER W/MERIT 0.15%

FERTILIZER W/MERIT 0.2%

Imidacloprid cont.

GARANT T&O 2F INSECTICIDE

GARANT T&O 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

GORDON'S PROFESSIONAL TURF & ORNAMENTAL PRODUCTS IMIDIPRO SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE

GRUBEX PRO

HAWK-I 2L

HAWK-I 75WSP

HI-YIELD GRUB FREE ZONE

HI-YIELD GRUB FREE ZONE III

IMIDASTAR 2L T&O

IMIGOLD 0.5 G

IMIGOLD 2 F

IMIGOLD 70 DF TURF, ORNAMENTAL AND GREENHOUSE INSECTICIDE

INVICT BLITZ ANT GRANULES

INVICT XPRESS GRANULAR BAIT

LADA 2F INSECTICIDE

LESCO BANDIT 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

LESCO BANDIT 2F INSECTICIDE

LESCO BANDIT 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

LESCO MERIT 0.2 PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

LESCO MERIT 0.2 PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

LESCO SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE CONTAINS MERIT

MALICE 0.5G

MALICE 75 WSP

MALLET 2F INSECTICIDE

MALLET 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

MERIT 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

MERIT 2F INSECTICIDE

MERIT 75 WP INSECTICIDE

MERIT 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

MIDASH 2SC T&O

PHOENIX HAWK-I 75WSP

PHOENIX HAWK-I 2L

PRIMERAONE IMIDACLOPRID 2F INSECTICIDE

PROFESSIONAL TURF SOLUTIONS WITH MERIT FERTILIZER

PROKOZ ZENITH 0.5 G INSECTICIDE

PROKOZ ZENITH 2F INSECTICIDE

PROKOZ ZENITH 75 WSP INSECTICIDE

PRO-MATE MERIT 0.2% PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

PROTHOR SC 2

QUALI-PRO IMIDACLOPRID 0.5G INSECTICIDE

QUALI-PRO IMIDACLOPRID 75 WSB

REGAL MERIT 0.2 PLUS

SCOTTS FERTILIZER 0-0-7 WITH GRUBEX PRO

SCOTTS FERTILIZER 22-0-8 WITH GRUBEX PRO

SCOTTS PROFESSIONAL FERTILIZER 0-0-7 WITH GRUBEX

SCOTTS PROFESSIONAL FERTILIZER 22-0-8 WITH GRUBEX

SIGNATURE FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT

TCS GROWSTAR MERIT 0.2 PLUS TURF FERTILIZER

THE ANDERSONS GRUBOUT DG 0.2% INSECTICIDE

THE ANDERSONS TURF PRODUCTS FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT INSECTICIDE 24-0-12

THE ANDERSONS TURF PRODUCTS FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT INSECTICIDE 22-3-8

TURF PRIDE ACCUBLEND FERTILIZER WITH 0.2% MERIT

TURFTHOR O.5G

TURFTHOR WP

TURFTHOR WSP

XYTECT 2F INSECTICIDE

XYTECT 75WSP INSECTICIDE

 

Indoxacarb

ADVION INSECT GRANULE

DUPONT ADVION INSECT GRANULE

DUPONT PROVAUNT INSECTICIDE

PROVAUNT

 

lambda-Cyhalothrin

LAMBDA SELECT (Restricted Use)

LAMBDA-CY EC INSECTICIDE-RUP (Restricted Use)

NUFARM LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN 1 EC INSECTICIDE (Restricted Use)

QUALI-PRO LAMBDA GC-O (Restricted Use)

 

Permethrin

PERMETHRIN 10% RAPID KILL INSECTICIDE CONCENTRATE

PROZAP INSECTRIN X CONCENTRATE

 

Piperonyl butoxide & Permethrin

FLEX 10-10 INSECTICIDE

KICKER

PYNAMITE SYNERGIZED 10/10 CONCENTRATE

PYRANHA 1-10 PX CONCENTRATE

VECTOR-BAN PLUS MULTI PURPOSE INSECTICIDE

 

Pyrethrins

MGK EVERGREEN PYRETHRUM CONCENTRATE

 

Thiamethoxam

MERIDIAN 25WG

MERIDIAN 0.33G

 

Thiamethoxam & Azoxystrobin

CARAVAN G

 

Trichlorfon

DYLOX 420 SL TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

DYLOX 6.2 GRANULAR INSECTICIDE

DYLOX 80 TURF AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTICIDE

Table 7. 

Active ingredients contained in insecticide products registered for pastures.

Beauveria bassiana

Botanigard ES

Mycotrol O

Carbaryl

Drexel Carbaryl 5% Bait

Piperonyl butoxide & Pyrethrins

Pyrenone Crop Spray

Pyrethrins

PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0II

Table 8. 

Active ingredients contained in insecticide products registered for vegetables.

Beauveria bassiana

Botanigard ES

Mycotrol O

Bifenthrin

Surrender G

Bonide House Guard

Bonide Eight Insect Control Flower & Vegetable

Vegetable Garden Soil Insecticide

Carbaryl

Drexel Carbaryl 5% Bait

Piperonyl butoxide & Pyrethrins

Pyrenone Crop Spray

Pyrethrins

PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0II

Publication #IPM-206

Release Date:September 21, 2021

Reviewed At:March 25, 2022

Related Experts

Frank, J Howard

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Leppla, Norman C.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Kerr, Christopher

University of Florida

Buss, Eileen A

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Management
General Public

About this Publication

This document is IPM-206, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2014. Revised July 2017 and August 2021. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

C. R. Kerr, commercial horticulture Extension agent II, Duval County, UF/IFAS; N. C. Leppla, professor, Entomology and Nematology Department; E. A. Buss, associate professor emeritus, Entomology and Nematology Department; and J. H. Frank, professor emeritus, Entomology and Nematology Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Norman Leppla