Field Performance and Consumption of Indoxacarb Bait for Control of Mole Crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) in Turfgrass

Abstract

Mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) are among the most problematic pests of turfgrass in the southeastern United States. Surface‐applied insecticides or insecticidal baits are often required to prevent damage to lawns, golf course, or sports turf. The purpose of this study was to evaluate indoxacarb baits against mole crickets in the field and laboratory. A field test evaluated application rates from 56 to 224 kg product/ha (0.11–0.44 lb a.i./acre) and determined that the rates ≥112 kg product/ha were efficient to reduce mole cricket damage to turfgrass. Laboratory no‐choice tests determined the amount of indoxacarb bait consumed by tawny (Scapteriscus vicinus Scudder) and southern (S. borellii Giglio‐Tos) mole crickets. Southern mole crickets consumed more bait per insect, but significantly less than tawny mole crickets when based on amount of bait consumed per insect body mass. Results of the lab tests suggest that labeled rates <112 kg product/ha may not provide enough bait per unit area to control mole crickets under field conditions. The cost of a single application of indoxacarb bait is comparable to standard surface‐applied insecticides but provides limited residual protection. Additional work is needed to compare the efficacy of indoxacarb bait and standard insecticides. Until then, indoxacarb bait serves a niche for mole cricket control where surface‐applied products have breakthroughs in control or on sites where irrigation is limited.