Parktown Prawns are big bugs that live in South Africa. They are also called King Crickets or Wandering Violins. Parktown Prawns are a type of cricket, even though their long bodies and spiked legs make them look like prawns.
In some parts of the country, these creatures are known for breaking into homes and gardens, which makes a lot of people unhappy. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods to get rid of Parktown Prawns effectively.
Our complete guide will give you all the information you need, whether you already have an infestation or just want to keep these pests from coming into your home in the first place. From identifying signs of infestations to exploring natural remedies and chemical control options – we’ve got it covered!.
Stay tuned as we go into more detail about how to get rid of Parktown Prawns so you can get peace back in your home and garden.
Parktown prawns, also known as king crickets or mole crickets, are a common garden pest in South Africa that can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting rid of these invasive insects and keeping them out of your garden for good.
What Are Parktown Prawns?
Parktown prawns (Libanasidus vittatus) are native to tropical and subtropical parts of Africa. They were accidentally introduced in South Africa likely through the transport of plant material. These flightless insects have now spread throughout the country, especially in moist and irrigated gardens.
Adult parktown prawns can grow up to 5 cm long They have spiny front legs designed for burrowing and paddle-shaped back legs for jumping. Their color ranges from brown to grayish-black. They get their name from the upscale Parktown suburb of Johannesburg where they were first documented as a garden pest in the 1930s.
Why Are Parktown Prawns Problematic?
Parktown prawns can reproduce rapidly and reach incredibly high population densities. The presence of just a few adults can lead to an infestation within weeks. These insects are considered a pest for several reasons:
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Damage to plants Parktown prawns feed on plant roots seedlings, and the organic matter in soil. This can destroy gardens and reduce yields.
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Undermine foundations: Their extensive burrowing can undermine Patios, foundations, driveways and other structures. It can also leave unsightly mounds throughout the lawn.
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Indoor invasions: During the rainy season, parktown prawns will sometimes invade houses through cracks and holes in the foundation in search of food and shelter. Once indoors, they can damage household items with their strong jaws and spiny legs.
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Annoying noises The males produce loud chirping noises at night by rubbing their back legs against their wings to attract females, This can make it difficult to sleep if you have an indoor infestation
How To Get Rid of Parktown Prawns
Controlling parktown prawns takes persistence and dedication. Their ability to rapidly dig new burrows and tunnels makes this a challenging pest to contain. Here are the most effective methods to get rid of and prevent future infestations:
Cultural Control
Making your garden less hospitable can discourage parktown prawns from taking up residence:
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Remove excess mulch, dead plant material, leaf litter, and other debris they can hide under.
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Fill in low areas and holes around structures that can flood and create the moist environment they prefer.
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Allow the soil surface to dry out completely between waterings to make life more difficult for subterranean prawns.
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Introduce nematodes that attack and kill parktown prawns but are safe for plants.
Physical Removal
Manually removing prawns when spotted is labor intensive but can quickly reduce populations:
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Set out boards, carpet scraps or burlap as traps then check them daily to kill any prawns hiding underneath.
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Go out at night with a flashlight when they are active on the soil surface and pick them off by hand.
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Pour 2-3 gallons of soapy water or a dilute bleach solution into burrow openings to irritate and flush them out.
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Take a garden rake and vigorously disturb areas with tunnel openings to drive them to the surface where they can be collected and destroyed.
Chemical Treatment
Insecticide sprays and granules can be used to kill parktown prawns on contact:
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Apply fast acting insecticides like carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, propoxur or pyrethroids to affected areas according to label instructions. Avoid overuse to protect beneficial insects.
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Spread bait formulations containing toxicants like hydramethylnon, fipronil or abamectin across the lawn. Prawns eating the bait will die. Keep pets away until product has dried.
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Mix insecticidal dusts like boric acid or diatomaceous earth into the soil. The sharp particles abrade and kill prawns on contact. Reapply after heavy rains.
Biological Controls
Natural biological controls offer a sustainable option for ongoing management:
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Release beneficial nematodes like Steinernema feltiae into moist areas where prawns are active. Once ingested, these parasites kill prawns from the inside out.
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Attract predators like birds, skunks, moles, beetles and centipedes with habitat structures that also reduce prawn survival.
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Fungal pathogens like Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Hirsutella spp. can infect and kill prawns when applied to areas they frequent. The fungi multiply and spread between insects.
Preventing Future Infestations
Keeping your property inhospitable to parktown prawns is key for long-term management. Here are some tips:
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Maintain a dry barrier of crushed granite, gravel or sand around foundations and other structures.
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Seal any cracks, crevices or holes in foundations with concrete or cement. Metal flashing can also be installed as a barrier.
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Direct water and irrigation away from structures. Repair any plumbing leaks or standing water.
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Mulch garden beds well to reduce moist soil areas. Replace organic mulches annually.
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Check potted plants, soil amendments and sod brought on site for signs of parktown prawns before installation.
The Bottom Line
Parktown prawns can be difficult to control but with persistence and an integrated pest management plan, you can protect your garden. Combining cultural, physical, chemical and biological controls offers the best chance to eliminate existing infestations and prevent new ones from gaining a foothold on your property. Don’t allow parktown prawns to continue damaging your garden. Implement these tips today so you can get rid of these destructive pests for good!
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE):
- The fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms called diatoms make up diatomaceous earth. Diatoms have sharp microscopic edges that can cut through an insect’s exoskeleton, dehydrating it and killing it.
- Birds, frogs, lizards, and hedgehogs are good predators that can help keep the number of parktown prawns under control. These animals eat bugs and can help keep the prawn population in check.
Remember, natural remedies may not provide immediate results and might require consistent application. If the infestation lasts for a long time or gets out of hand, you should hire professional pest control services to get rid of parktown prawns for good.
Parktown Prawns can be quite resilient and difficult to eliminate, especially in severe infestations. In such cases, chemical control methods may be necessary to effectively get rid of these pests. Here are some commonly used chemical control methods for Parktown Prawns:
- Using snail bait with metaldehyde or iron phosphate is one way that works well.
- Spread the bait out in places where you know Parktown Prawns are gathering there.
- Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
- There are many insecticides on the market that are made to get rid of crickets and other insects that look like them, like Parktown Prawns.
- Look for products that have bifenthrin or cypermethrin as active ingredients.
- Putting barrier sprays around the outside of your property can help keep Parktown Prawns out of your garden.
- These sprays make a barrier that keeps them away from areas that have been treated.
Q: How can I prevent Parktown Prawn infestations?
To help prevent Parktown Prawn infestations, you can take the following measures:
- Keep your garden clean by regularly getting rid of dead leaves, branches, and other junk. Pests love to hide in these things.
- Lower the amount of water in the soil. Make sure your yard drains well by fixing any leaks or problems with standing water that Parktown Prawns like.
- Parktown Prawns could get into your home or building through cracks around doors, windows, and foundation walls. They should be sealed.
- Put up insect screens. Window screens with small mesh sizes (about 0 6 mm) to keep adult Parktown Prawns out when they’re ready to mate.
How not to catch a parktown prawn.
FAQ
What attracts Parktown prawns?
Where do Parktown prawns come from?
Do Parktown prawns sting?
Can parktown prawns fly?
How to get rid of Parktown prawns?
Keep your garden clean – Remove any dead leaves, branches, and other debris regularly as these provide ideal hiding places for the pests. Reduce moisture levels – Ensure proper drainage in your yard by fixing any leaks or standing water issues that attract Parktown Prawns.
Are Parktown prawns nocturnal?
Parktown prawns, also known as Libanasidus vittatus, are large king crickets commonly found in Johannesburg, particularly in the suburb of Parktown. These nocturnal creatures prefer moist environments like gardens, leaf litter, and compost heaps. In Johannesburg, Parktown prawns have become a well-known urban dweller.
Do Parktown prawns eat insects?
The Parktown prawn encounters a few natural predators and pests in its environment. One notable predator is the Hadeda Ibis, a bird species found in South Africa. Hadeda Ibis: This bird is known for its distinct loud call and can be found in urban areas, feeding on insects such as the Parktown prawn.
Where are Parktown prawns found?
The distribution of Parktown prawns extends beyond Johannesburg, covering parts of Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. South Africa: In addition to Johannesburg, Parktown prawns can be found in other provinces like Gauteng and Western Cape.