Judy -- I'm sorry to hear of your cricket damage. Yes, they are voracious iris rhizome eaters. The first clue is usually when you see what looks like a mini-teaspoon scoop out of the top of a rhizome. Strangely, they appear to like some varieties more than others. I have successfully deterred them with the use of diatomaceous earth. You can find it, under that name, at your hardware store. Sprinkle it on the garden according to the directions, and I think you will reduce your cricket population to non-threatening proportions, if not eliminate them altogether. -- Griff
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:12 PM
Subject: RE: [iris-photos] Crickets
No pictures, just a question. I recently purchased lots of irises at a sale. I planted them 4 or 5 days later. Now, several days later, they are either full of holes or there is just an outer shell left (roots still in the ground). I have been seeing LOTS of crickets, coming out of the ground or just hopping around my garden. Do crickets like to eat them? If so, what should I do to prevent this from happening again as I have several large orders coming and I don't want to be serving meals to the crickets!
Thanks,
Judy
