CRAYFISH IN HOME LAWNS
S. Bambara, Extension Entomologist
CAUTION: These recommendations were
developed for North Carolina and may not apply to other areas.
CRAYFISH, Cambarus (Lacunicambarus) diogenes, C. (Depressicambarus)
reduncus, and Fallicambarus (Creaserinus) fodiens& other spp., Astacidae
General
Information
Crayfish play important roles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, both
as food sources for many animals and as consumers of plant and animal material.
Crayfish are aquatic, but there are a few burrowing or "terrestrial"
species. Areas of turf in low-lying areas that maintain damp soils and shallow
subsurface water levels may support crayfish populations. Damage is not so
significant to the turf, but large amounts of soil may be brought to the surface
as the crayfish tunnel in the soils. Such large mud
turrets
may create mounds that can be annoying or inconvenient, especially during lawn
maintainance.
Biology
Crayfish consume both plant and animal food, living or dead. They eat live
and decaying plants and animals. They are also eaten by birds, reptiles, mammals
and other crayfish so they are important to an ecosystem on several levels.
Hence, crayfish are involved in a great deal of nutrient transfer in your backyard
ecosytem, if you have them in your local habitat.
Control
These interesting creatures are unfortunately susceptible to many lawn pesticides.
Control or reduction of their population is not encouraged. Habitats that support
terrestrial crayfish most likely have a lot of soil water movement. Pesticides
may migrate to many off-target organisms and are probably not a good idea on
these soils. These nonprolific creatures should be appreciated like a interesting
bird or turtle living on the property. Mound construction is somewhat seasonal.
Annoying turret mounds can be raked smooth from time to time or dispersed with
a water stream from a garden hose. Modification of the area using drainage techniques
may reduce the moisture content and water level in the soil, thereby discouraging
the population through habitat modification. This could be expensive, however,
and population reduction is not necessarily a beneficial goal.
Links of interest:
John Cooper NC Museum
of Natural Sciences Crayfish Information
Crayfish world
Other Resources
For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service.
Published by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30,
1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless
of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina
State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
© 2003 NC Cooperative Extension Service
ENT/ort-125 January 2003
Web page last reviewed January, 2011 by the webperson.