Mole Crickets

What Are Mole Crickets?

Mole crickets are one of the most destructive insects of lawn turf in the Southeastern United States. All warm-season grasses can be attacked by mole crickets. However, bahiagrass and Bermuda grass are damaged most severely. Mole crickets damage turfgrass by tunneling and by direct feeding. Their tunneling action loosens the soil so that the grass is uprooted and dies. As they burrow through the soil, they also leave mounds of dirt on the surface. Mole crickets may also feed directly on the grass root systems, which can seriously weaken the plant.

Controlling Mole Crickets

Insecticides are currently the best control method for mole crickets in turfgrass. Even with the proper product application, control may be limited due to unfavorable temperatures, lack of soil moisture, or both. Irrigation is essential following the application of a spray or granular material to ensure that the material is carried into the root zone where the mole crickets are feeding and tunneling.