Time of Bait Application to Control Black Field Cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract

Barley treated with malathion (1:80 by weight) was evaluated as a bait to control Teleogryllus commodus Walker in 1980, 1981, and 1982 at 28 sites throughout the North Auckland peninsula of New Zealand. Bait efficacy was determined by assessing cricket populations at fortnightly intervals from January until May. A double bait application in January and March (82% population reduction) and a single application in January (76% population reduction) gave the best average reduction in cricket density during the summer and autumn compared with untreated populations. February applications (50% population reduction) were intermediate in effectiveness; March applications (20% population reduction) were the least effective. Halving the rate of bait (5, 10, or 20 kg/hal reduced the average cricket density by an average of 6%.January bait applications reduced oviposition by 57 and 80% in 1980 and 1981, respectively, in contrast to the 24% reduction achieved in 1982. A single bait application in January was the best strategy for the prevention of damage to pasture, because cricket populations were maintained below damaging levels for 12 weeks over the summer and autumn. In seasons when re invasion of baited areas occurs, either the use of high rate of bait or a second bait application in March would be useful strategies to reduce oviposition.