How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS

Adult crickets are black or brown, and are 0.6 to 1 inch in length. Eggs are laid in the ground, mostly in damp places. Crickets are present in all stages all year round.

DAMAGE

Crickets generally do not cause economic losses in cucurbits. Crickets can cause some damage initially by eating flower parts and causing poor or incomplete pollination. Also, as fruit reaches the full slip stage, this pest can enter the stem end and feed internally on the fruit. Excrement of crickets can spot melons, resulting in exterior dark stains that may affect marketing value.

MANAGEMENT

Crickets are usually more of a problem in areas of the field near weedy areas during stand establishment. Clear weeds early in spring before crickets mature and begin to migrate. Treat if damaging numbers of insects are observed during field inspection.

Common name		Amount/Acre	R.E.I.+	P.H.I.+
(trade name)			(hours)	(days)
The following materials are listed in order of usefulness in an IPM program, taking into account efficacy, pesticide registrations, information related to natural enemies and honey bees, and environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read the label of the product being used.
A.	CARBARYL
	5% bait	20 lb	12	see label
	MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1A
	COMMENTS: Apple pumice baits work better for crickets and grasshoppers than bran baits. Baits lose their attractiveness as they dry out. Apply in early evening to avoid drying out too soon from sun exposure. Use suitable ground or aircraft equipment that provides good distribution. A repeat application is usually necessary for effective control.
+	Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.
1	Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
C. S. Stoddard, UC Cooperative Extension, Merced & Madera counties
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

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