Found in the Western United States and Mexico, the Jerusalem Cricket or Potato Bug is not a poisonous insect, but it can have a nasty and painful bite when spooked. Imagine your children playing around the garden, not knowing that potato bugs are hiding in the flower beds or around compost heaps, ready to bite the moment they feel threatened.
Keep reading below to know more about Jerusalem cricket pest management and other interesting facts.
What is Jerusalem Cricket or Potato Bug?
Jerusalem crickets (Stenopelmatus fuscus) are giant wingless insects that look like enlarged ants with a little hint of wasp. They are hard to miss because of their strange appearance, near-disproportionate bulging heads, long antennae, and small round eyes. They have six spider-like legs that help them dig and create a nest. Jerusalem crickets are also called potato bugs because they love to dig under the soil or dirt.
Despite their name, the Jerusalem cricket does not belong in the family of crickets nor are they from Jerusalem. Jerusalem crickets are bigger and fatter than the field and house cricket and they don’t chirp and jump. They’re considered pests because they give a nasty bite and create a foul odor when they feel threatened or cornered.
Life Cycle of Jerusalem Cricket
There are three stages to the life cycle of Jerusalem crickets – egg, nymph, and adult. A female lays at least 60 eggs, and when hatched, the nymphs feed on the same food as adults. Their bodies can grow up to six centimeters long or nearly the width of your hand. They have a lifespan of about two years and females sometimes eat their male partners after mating.
A potato bug habitat is always underground. Damp areas, like moist soil or manure heaps, are their ideal environment. They are large nocturnal insects because they hide in dark places during the day and only feed at night. Jerusalem crickets feed on other insects, tubers, roots, and crops. During fall and winter, potato bugs go into hiding and only resurface when it’s time to plant again.
Does a Potato Bug Bite?
Potato bugs have a strong jaw that they use to dig, so imagine being bitten by one. They are not poisonous insects, but they can cause a nasty and painful bite because of their strong jaw. Their bite can also leave a small puncture wound.
Since they can hide in your garden, a potato bug might bite you while you’re tending your plants. Although the soreness from the bite is rather quick, it can still be excruciating and may even cause an infection.
Treating a Potato Bug Bite
If a potato bug bites you, quickly clean the bite with warm water and soap to eliminate any bacteria that may cling to the wound. Diluted or raw apple cider vinegar can also help with the pain and itching. Use a cotton ball soaked in the vinegar and place this over the bite mark. Do this at least three times a day until the pain disappears.
Exterminating Jerusalem Crickets
The good news is that Jerusalem crickets won’t try to make their way into your house because they are outdoor insects. If you have one in your garden, one of the signs to look out for is their hissing noise. Other signs of an infestation are stunted or wilted plants and damaged flowerbeds.
Just like any other pests, there are many DIY pest control methods you can try to exterminate your potato bug infestation.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth destroys an insect’s exoskeleton, which will dry them and, eventually, exterminate them. These are non-toxic, making them perfect for getting rid of unwanted visitors in your garden, like Jerusalem crickets.
If you’re worried about harming your plants or pets, you can use food-grade diatomaceous earth for peace of mind. Sprinkle the solution in areas where you think potato bugs are hiding. If it rains, reapply when the soil dries.
Neem oil
Neem oil is another natural insecticide that you can use against different pests, including potato bugs. Like diatomaceous earth, all you need to do is apply the neem oil over the infested areas, or if you spot one, you can spray this oil directly on the bug. Try to spray neem oil regularly or every one to three days until you notice the infestation is over.
Using a Homemade Trap
A homemade trap, like sticky paper, is also great for eliminating potato bugs. Simply place these in infested areas, wait for the bugs to fill the trap, and remove before putting in a new one. Keep setting traps until the infestation stops.
Another excellent trap is petroleum jelly on a wooden plank placed on infested areas.
Pro Tip
When doing Jerusalem cricket extermination, always start by targeting their habitat. Eliminate debris like dead leaves, trash, and other objects to reduce the areas where potato bugs can hide and dig through. Removing a bug one by one is taxing. With a habitat present, new colonies will come back and infest.
-->
