How to get rid of mole crickets

Key points

• Effective control methods for mole crickets include proper lawn care and potentially chemical treatments.

• Mole crickets are burrowing insects that damage grass roots and cause uneven turf.

• Common signs of infestation include tunneling, brown patches and soil mounds.

Mole crickets, which get their name from their mole-like burrowing habits, disrupt your grass’s root systems, leading to patchy spots and unsightly damage.

To get rid of mole crickets, start by identifying these pests, then choose the appropriate control methods, which could include hiring one of the best pest control companies. Regular monitoring and proper lawn care practices such as irrigation, mowing and fertilization can prevent future infestations.

We consulted pest experts Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator, and Robbie Ringler, A.C.E.-certified entomologist at Arrow Exterminators, to get their insights on dealing with these pesky insects. Together, we outlined how to tackle a mole cricket problem and restore your lawn to its former glory.

How do you get rid of mole crickets?

Getting rid of mole crickets often requires a combination of different strategies. Each method has pros and cons, so choose the right approach based on your specific situation. Here are some effective methods to control and eliminate these pests from your lawn.

Regular lawn maintenance, such as proper watering and mowing, can deter their presence.

Allan Bossel

Cultural control methods

Maintaining a healthy lawn can naturally eliminate mole crickets. “Regular lawn maintenance, such as proper watering and mowing, can deter their presence,” Bossel said.

Biological control

Using natural predators and biological agents can help control mole cricket populations without harmful chemicals. Try either of the following:

• Natural predators: Birds, beneficial insects and parasitic wasps can help reduce mole cricket numbers. Encourage these predators by creating a habitat that attracts them, such as planting native shrubs and flowers.
• Nematodes and fungi: Nematodes are natural predators of mole crickets, and introducing parasitic nematodes or even specific fungi can target mole crickets in the soil, according to Bossel. However, this method can be slow and require repeated applications for significant results.

Chemical control

Chemical treatments can be effective but should be used with caution, including the following suggestions:

• Insecticides: Products containing bifenthrin, imidacloprid or other active ingredients can be effective against mole crickets. For the best results, water the lawn well before applying these chemicals to the soil and follow the instructions on the label.
• Granular insecticides: Granules can be spread across the lawn and watered in to penetrate the soil where mole crickets live. They are convenient to use and can provide long-lasting protection when applied correctly.

Mechanical control

Physical methods can also help manage mole cricket infestations. Consider these suggestions if you want to avoid chemicals or predators:

• Trapping: Setting traps can help catch and remove mole crickets from your lawn. Use light traps when mole crickets are most active at night or homemade traps with soapy water to attract and kill them.
• Tilling: Tilling the soil can disrupt mole cricket tunnels and make the environment less hospitable for them. This method works well in garden areas and can be combined with other treatments for better results.
• Soapy water: A solution of water and dish soap can bring mole crickets to the surface, making them easier to remove. Pour a gallon of water mixed with dish soap over suspected areas to flush out the pests.

When should you call a professional for mole crickets?

Sometimes, a mole cricket infestation can be too severe for DIY methods, and it’s best to call a professional. “If mole cricket activity becomes severe and persistent, it is probably time to call a professional,” Ringler said.

If you notice extensive damage, such as widespread brown spots in the grass, spongy soil and visible tunneling, the problem might be beyond your control. Severe infestations can cause significant lawn damage and even spread to neighboring properties.

The best professional pest control services offer expertise and advanced treatment options. They have the experience and knowledge to effectively deal with mole crickets, identifying the extent of the problem and using specialized equipment and products. These include high-powered sprayers and granular insecticides, which may not be available to homeowners.

“Professionals are trained in the proper identification and biology of the pest, which aids in control measures,” Ringler said.

When choosing a pest control professional, look for licensed and certified services with good reviews and a solid reputation. Terminix and Orkin are great examples. But if you’re considering another company, consider asking the following questions during the vetting process:

• Do you have experience with mole cricket infestations?
• What methods and products do you use?
• Do you offer any guarantees on your work?
• Are your treatments safe for pets and children?
• Can you provide a detailed plan and cost estimate?

Choosing a pro will give you peace of mind and a healthier, more beautiful lawn for years to come.

What are mole crickets?

Mole crickets are burrowing insects that look like a mix between crickets and moles. They are large, brown and have mole-like front legs perfect for digging. Their bodies are covered in short, dense hairs, and they have wings, although their flying skills aren’t anything to worry about.

Mole crickets can be found in various regions, including Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. There are also several species to be aware of, each with unique characteristics:

• Northern mole cricket: Has four claws on its front legs and a back leg longer than its body section; about 1 to 1.4 inches long
• Prairie mole cricket: Also has four claws on its front legs but with a knife-like shape and is larger, measuring 1.5 to 1.75 inches long
• Short-winged mole cricket: Has two claws on its front legs and a bulging abdomen; Its wings are considerably shorter than its abdomen; cannot fly
• Southern mole cricket: Has two claws on its front legs with a U-shaped gap between them; common along the southeastern U.S. coast
• Tawny mole cricket: Known for its V-shaped claw separation and is highly damaging to turf in the southeastern U.S.

Where do mole crickets live, and what do they do?

Mole crickets prefer moist soil and are commonly found near the ground’s surface, especially in areas with thatch. They are most active in early summer and late spring when they lay eggs and the nymphs hatch. Young mole crickets look like smaller versions of adult mole crickets but without wings.

During these times, you might see more mole cricket activity as they dig through your lawn, damaging roots and plants. Additionally, mole crickets can survive the winter as nymphs or adults, so early control is crucial to stop them from causing long-term problems and becoming more challenging to manage.

Are mole crickets dangerous?

Mole crickets are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting, so they pose no direct threat to your health. However, they are a significant threat to your lawn and garden, aesthetically speaking.

However, according to Ringler, excessive tunneling can make the soil spongy, which could pose a trip hazard. While they aren’t directly harmful to you, mole cricket damage can be costly and frustrating.

What are common signs of mole crickets?

It’s crucial to spot the signs of a mole cricket infestation early since they can cause significant damage to your lawn or garden. Watch out for these key indicators.

Tunneling and root damage

Mole crickets tunnel under the soil surface to feed on roots and organic matter. These tunnels can ruin your lawn, making it spongy and uneven.

As mole crickets age, the size and extent of their tunnels increase, leading to more extensive damage. Early-stage nymphs may only affect a few square feet, but older ones can damage several yards of turf.

Surface mounding

In severe infestations, mole crickets push up mounds of soil as they excavate their tunnels. Mounds like these change the topography of the lawn, making it dangerous for people and maintenance equipment. The mounds are particularly noticeable in the summer and fall when mole crickets are most active.

Multiple entrance holes

Different species of mole crickets create distinct tunnel patterns. Tawny mole crickets have multiple entrance holes and branch more at the surface, leading to numerous small soil mounds.

In contrast, southern mole crickets have one main surface entrance and branch deeper into the soil. These entrance holes can help identify the type of mole cricket infesting your lawn.

Stunted, unhealthy grass

Grass infested with mole crickets often appears stunted and unhealthy. Ringler explains that mole crickets prefer certain types of turfgrass: “Turfgrass that may be affected by mole crickets includes Bahia grass, Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, zoysia grass, centipede grass and seashore paspalum.”

If you have one of these turf types, be on the lookout. Tawny mole crickets, in particular, feed on grass roots, weakening your lawn and making it more susceptible to drought and pathogens like root rot.

Spongy and uneven turf

Your lawn likely won’t be level and lush if you’re dealing with a mole cricket infestation. Tunneling through the soil disrupts roots and makes the grass feel spongy and uneven, making walking uncomfortable.

Some mistaken signs of mole crickets

Sometimes, other pests can cause damage similar to mole cricket activity. For example, grubs also live underground and feed on grass roots, causing brown patches and spongy turf. However, grub damage usually lacks the extensive tunneling and mounds associated with mole crickets.

Another common misidentification involves earthworm castings. Earthworms create small mounds of soil called castings, which can be mistaken for mole cricket mounds. However, earthworm castings are smaller and more uniformly spread across the lawn.

What’s next?

Mole crickets can cause significant lawn damage through their tunneling and feeding activities. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to identify signs of infestation early, such as spongy soil and brown patches. Once an infestation is confirmed, you have a variety of control methods to choose from. But don’t be afraid to consider professional pest control services if needed.

After dealing with a mole cricket problem, continue regular lawn maintenance to keep your lawn healthy and prevent future infestations. This includes proper irrigation, mowing and fertilization. Be sure to regularly inspect your lawn for any signs of new mole cricket activity.

Remember, you’re never far from another mole cricket battle. Stay vigilant and keep your lawn healthy to reduce the risk of reinfestation.