Are you tired of finding those creepy crawly Parktown Prawns in your home?
These critters may look like oversized cockroaches, but they are actually molecrickets that feed on plant roots and can cause substantial damage to your lawn.
Getting rid of them can seem impossible, but fear not! In this article, we will explore some effective methods for removing Parktown Prawns from your home and garden.
From humane approaches to professional help, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and bid farewell to these unwanted guests!
How To Get Rid Of Parktown Prawns?
There are several ways to get rid of Parktown Prawns, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the severity of the infestation. Here are some effective methods to consider:
1. Humane Removal: If you prefer not to harm these critters, you can use a bucket and a piece of paper to gently capture them and release them outside. Approach the insect slowly from the side and quickly enclose it with the bucket. Slip a piece of paper underneath the bucket and release it outside.
2. Tennis Racket Method: This method involves using a tennis racket, a container with a lid, and a brick. Approach the prawn slowly with the tennis racket while your partner stands by with the container and lid. Prod the prawn to make it jump, then take a full swing with the racket to knock it out temporarily. Quickly get the prawn in the container before it recovers, move fast, it does not take long. Find a solid piece of ground outside, shake the container rapidly to knock the prawn out, and flatten it with the brick.
3. Professional Help: If you have an infestation that requires professional help, contact pest control experts who can safely remove Parktown Prawns from your home and garden.
4. Use Protek Meridian: Protek Meridian is a systemic insecticide that can be used on lawns to get rid of molecrickets, which are what Parktown Prawns actually are. It is easier to get rid of juveniles instead of adults, so treat your lawn in March and August when they are most active.
Understanding Parktown Prawns: Identification And Behavior
Parktown Prawns, also known as African king crickets or tusked king crickets, are a species of insects in the family Anostostomatidae. They are endemic to Southern Africa and are commonly found in gardens and homes in Johannesburg, South Africa. Parktown Prawns are not true crickets but are related to the New Zealand tree wētā. They are omnivorous, feeding on snails, other invertebrates, and vegetable matter.
Male and female Parktown Prawns live in shallow spherical burrows and leave their burrows only to search for food and mates. Adult males have large tusks on their jaws, which they use to display their masculinity and ward off competing suitors. Males also follow females after mating to ensure that she uses his sperm to fertilize her eggs. However, females have a competing interest in seeking other sperm sources to increase the genetic variability of their offspring.
Female Parktown Prawns can be easily identified by the long spear-shaped tip of their abdomen, which is not a sting but rather an ovipositor used to insert eggs into the soil. Tiny Parktown Prawn nymphs are born without tusks or spears but will grow and molt until they reach maturity.
Parktown Prawns leave smellograms, scent marking their burrows to advertise their sex and maturity. The foul-smelling goo that they leave when agitated doubles up as Chanel No. 5 in the intimate world of prawn sex. While these insects may be considered a nuisance by some homeowners, they play an important role in controlling garden snail populations and attracting birds like the hadeda ibis.
Understanding the behavior and identification of Parktown Prawns is essential for effectively managing infestations. By knowing their habits and biology, homeowners can take appropriate measures to prevent or remove these insects from their homes and gardens.
Prevention Is Key: Tips To Keep Parktown Prawns At Bay
Preventing an infestation of Parktown Prawns is key to avoiding the need for removal methods. Here are some tips to keep these critters at bay:
1. Keep Your Home Clean: Crumbs and food scraps can attract Parktown Prawns, so make sure to keep your kitchen counters and floors clean. Wipe down surfaces after preparing food, and sweep the floor regularly.
2. Seal Up Cracks: Parktown Prawns can enter your home through small cracks in walls or foundations. Seal up any cracks or gaps to prevent them from entering.
3. Remove Wood and Debris: Parktown Prawns love to nest in wood and debris, so make sure to remove any old tree stumps or broken branches from your property.
4. Use Insect Repellents: There are several insect repellents on the market that can help repel Parktown Prawns. Look for products containing citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender oil.
By following these tips, you can help prevent an infestation of Parktown Prawns in your home and garden. Remember that prevention is key, so take action before you have a problem.
DIY Methods For Getting Rid Of Parktown Prawns
If you prefer to take matters into your own hands, there are several DIY methods you can try to get rid of Parktown Prawns. Here are some effective methods to consider:
1. Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth powder around entry points and areas where you have seen Parktown Prawns can be effective. When the powder gets in contact with the prawns, they get dehydrated and die.
2. Natural Barriers: You can create natural barriers that act like barbed wire to keep crawling pests, such as ants and Parktown Prawns, out of your home. Some substances that work as natural barriers include garlic (grind it up with water and apply), cayenne pepper, cinnamon, powdered charcoal, bone meal, talcum powder, or chalk. You can also grow certain plants around the periphery of your home that repel Parktown Prawns, such as spearmint, peppermint, and pennyroyal.
3. Peppermint Oil: To repel Parktown Prawns around your home, drizzle peppermint oil on windowsills. Not only will the oil deter the pesky critters, but it will also lend a fresh, clean aroma to your home.
Remember that prevention is key to avoiding a Parktown Prawn infestation. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, seal any cracks or entry points in your home’s foundation or walls, and keep your garden well-maintained. By following these methods and tips, you can effectively get rid of Parktown Prawns without harming them or resorting to professional help.
Professional Help: When To Call In The Experts
If you have a serious infestation of Parktown Prawns, it may be best to call in professional help. Pest control experts have the experience, knowledge, and tools to determine the severity of the infestation and the best method for removal. They can also provide emergency pest control services if needed.
When choosing a pest control company, make sure to choose a reputable and experienced one. Look for reviews from previous customers and ask for recommendations from friends and family. The company should also use safe and effective methods for removal that won’t harm you, your family or your pets.
It’s important to note that while professional help may be necessary for severe infestations, prevention is always the best method. Keep your home clean and free of crumbs, and store food in containers to avoid attracting pests. Familiarize yourself with the pests common in your area and contact your state or county cooperative extension office for more information.
Eco-Friendly Options For Removing Parktown Prawns
If you prefer to use eco-friendly options to remove Parktown Prawns, there are a few methods to consider. One option is to use a natural pest control product that contains essential oils, such as peppermint or eucalyptus. Mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and 10-15 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle and apply it in areas where you have seen the prawns. You can also try a mixture of one part coconut oil and two parts distilled vinegar for a stronger solution.
Another option is to use garlic spray, which can be effective in repelling spiders and other insects. Blend 10-15 garlic cloves with 1 1/2-2 cups of water and strain the mixture to remove any pulp. Combine the garlic mixture with about a gallon of water and transfer it into a spray bottle. Spray this solution in areas where you have seen the prawns, as they are not fond of garlic.
If you prefer not to harm the prawns, you can use humane removal methods such as gently capturing them with a bucket and paper and releasing them outside. Alternatively, you can use the tennis racket method, which involves knocking out the prawn temporarily with a tennis racket before releasing it outside.
Lastly, shrimp farming is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to produce high-quality shrimp without harming the environment. By supporting local shrimp farmers, you can help reduce the demand for wild-caught prawns and promote sustainable practices in the seafood industry.
Conclusion: Maintaining A Prawn-Free Home And Garden
After successfully getting rid of the Parktown Prawns, it is important to take measures to prevent future infestations. One way to do this is by keeping your home and garden clean and free of debris, as these insects are attracted to dark and damp areas. Regularly mow your lawn and trim bushes to reduce hiding places for the prawns. Additionally, consider using a natural repellent such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth around your home and garden to deter them from coming back. By taking these preventative measures, you can maintain a prawn-free home and garden.
