Quantifying efficacy and avoidance behavior by tawny mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae: Scapteriscus Vicinus) to three synthetic insecticides

Abstract

Mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) are among the most economically important turf-grass insect pests in the southeastern United States. The tawny mole cricket Scapteriscus vicinus (Scudder) causes damage by feeding on the roots and shoots of turfgrass and by creating surface tunnels. Previous research on mole cricket control showed behavior modification, including reduced surface tunneling and avoidance of the treated soil, when a control agent was applied. The objectives of these studies were: a) to determine the mortality of 3 synthetic insecticides and their residues against small and large mole cricket nymphs in 2 bioassays and b) to monitor mole cricket behavioral responses to these insecticides. We used 3 synthetic insecticides (bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, and fipronil) to conduct 2 mortality bioassays and 2 behavioral studies, where we quantified surface tunneling, to determine the scope of this modified behavior. We found that, in general, the greater the efficacy of the product to mole crickets, the greater the likelihood of reduced surface tunneling and avoidance of the treated area. These studies confirm that mole crickets avoid an area treated with insecticide and emphasize the importance of appropriate timing of insecticides to achieve effective control of mole crickets.