BeneficialMole crickets

The mole cricket nematode

Steinernema scapterisci · nematode — established, no longer sold

Against mole crickets

This nematode was released against mole crickets in Florida from 1985 and sold there as Nematac S, but UF/IFAS says it is no longer available commercially. It infects large nymphs and adults, breeds inside them, and flying crickets carry it to new areas, so it is now found across much of Florida. In a five-year UF study it cut nymph numbers by about 85% after one year and by 95% or more after that. If you are outside Florida, it is unlikely to be in your soil. Only southern Georgia has confirmed establishment north of the state.

RateNot on sale — no current product or label rate

TimingAlready present in much of Florida; historic applications targeted large nymphs and adults

macro · mole cricket nematode on mole crickets

The pestMole cricketsNeoscapteriscus spp. (N. vicinus, N. borellii, N. abbreviatus)Tunnels lift the turf and cut roots; grass dries out and dies in patchesFull pest profile →

Before you act

A South American nematode released in Florida from 1985 and sold there until the 2010s; it now persists in the soil and is spread by infected mole crickets. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Mole cricket nematode profile.

Other controls for mole crickets

No other reviewed control is listed for this pest yet.