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Abstract
The toxicity and killing potential of various insecticide baits to the black field cricket (Teleogryllus commodus Walker) (Orthoptera:Gryllidae) were investigated in laboratory trials. A selection of these baits was tested against field populations of crickets in large-scale aerial bait application trials which covered > 800 ha of Northland hill country. Maldison concentration in grain baits could be increased to 1½× the standard concentration with a subsequent reduction in the rate of grain used per ha. This could result in cost savings of up to 37%, particularly at high cricket infestations. A grain bait, dyed green to reduce losses from birds, gave a level of cricket kill similar to that of the standard maldison bait. Maldison treated sawdust bait was effective at high cricket densities. Pirimiphos-methyl, fenitrothion, and decamethrin gave kills comparable to the standard maldison bait. Pirimiphos-methyl showed the most promise as an alternative to maldison when incorporated on a grain bait.