How to protect seedlings in the garden from mole crickets: a harmless method for other beneficial insects

Gardeners and vegetable growers know how important it is to protect their seedlings from pests.

Particularly unpleasant for many is the mole cricket - an insect that can cause significant damage to young plants.

However, there are effective ways to prevent mole cricket attacks without harming beneficial insects, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

We will take a detailed look at how to protect your seedlings and ensure their healthy growth.

Who is a mole cricket and how does it harm seedlings?

The mole cricket is one of the common harmful insects that attack seedlings.

Most species of mole crickets prefer to spend their days in the ground, but at night they actively search for food.

Its larvae feed on plant roots, and adult insects destroy young shoots and leaves. As a result, seedlings may die or significantly slow down their growth.

How to protect seedlings from mole crickets without harming beneficial insects

Using traps

One of the most popular methods of protecting seedlings from mole crickets is setting traps.

You can use special containers filled with beer or other substances that attract mole crickets.

Planting plants in containers

Another way to protect seedlings is to plant them in containers that are hung on supports.

The mole cricket will not be able to climb up to the plants, so the seedlings will be safe, and beneficial insects will be able to freely visit them.

Use of smells

The mole cricket is very sensitive to certain smells. You can use repellents, such as garlic or tobacco tincture, to scare the mole cricket away from the seedlings.

These scents do not harm other insects and will help prevent attacks.

Additional precautions

Ventilation and watering

Regular ventilation and watering of seedlings will help create uncomfortable conditions for the mole cricket, which can protect it from attacks.

The mole cricket prefers a damp environment, so it is important to maintain an optimal level of humidity around the plants.

Soil testing

Before planting seedlings, it is necessary to carefully check the soil for the presence of mole cricket eggs or larvae.

Using soil from another area can cause problems. If you find eggs or larvae, remove them to prevent pests from returning.

Conclusion

Protecting seedlings from mole crickets is an important task for gardeners and vegetable growers.

However, there are ways to protect plants without harming other beneficial insects.

Traps, container planting, scenting, ventilation and watering - all these measures will help ensure healthy seedling growth and a successful harvest, minimizing the threat from the mole cricket.

Previously, we talked about what you need to plant next to tomatoes to forget about pests and increase yields.