May 2005. A cricket, reported from Maldives to be a pest of newly planted herb and
salad seedlings. The problem has been going on for the 3 months and is quite serious.
The insect is a mole cricket, a member of the family, Gryllotalpidae. Search Google for Gryllotalpidae and discover several pages of photos.
Later (3545), a request for information on biological control, pesticides, nematodes, organic pesticides, companion planting, integrated pest management or any other method of control to eliminate or deter the mole cricket, including Asian or Australian supplies for benefical nematodes (Steinemera scpaterisci), Ormia depleta flies or parasitic wasps. These methods do not involve the addition of chemicals to the soil. The mole cricket continues to devastate the vegetable gardens, reducing yields of salad crops by 60-70%.
Fipronil and imidacloprid are used for the control of mole crickets. A natural oil product is also said to have been produced in Australia for use at high volumes. Steinemera scpaterisci can be obtained in Australia.
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