Mole crickets are unusual-looking insects that burrow underground, damaging lawns, gardens, and crops. They belong to the family Gryllotalpidae and are known for their tunneling behavior. These tunnels weaken plant roots, causing patches of dead or unhealthy grass. Because they live underground, mole crickets are often difficult to detect until the damage is severe.
Mole crickets are hard to see because they live underground. But their digging leaves signs like raised mounds of soil and damage to lawns. You might also notice grooves or holes in the ground from their tunnels.
Mole crickets go through three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In early summer, female mole crickets lay eggs in tunnels beneath the soil. When the eggs hatch, the young crickets, called nymphs, look like small versions of adults but without wings. As they grow, they molt several times before becoming fully developed adults. Because they spend most of their lives underground, mole crickets are often not noticed until they have already caused significant damage.
Mole crickets are cylindrical pests with spade-like front legs that help them dig. They are light to dark brown and grow between ¾ to 1 ½ inches long. They have long antennae, and some can fly while others can't. Mole crickets spend most of their time underground, where they dig tunnels and eat plant roots.
Mole crickets prefer loose, sandy soil that makes it easy for them to dig. They often live in lawns, golf courses, gardens, and farms. They are especially common in areas with thick grass and moist, well-irrigated soil.
Mole crickets can be found throughout the United States, but they are most common in southeastern states like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The most well-known species include the tawny mole cricket (Neoscapteriscus vicinus), which is a major lawn pest, the southern mole cricket (Neoscapteriscus borellii), which feeds on insects and plant roots, and the northern mole cricket (Neocurtilla hexadactyla), which is found in moist soils and does less damage to grass.
Mole crickets are not dangerous to humans. They do not sting, and a mole cricket bite is not a concern. However, they can cause serious damage to grass and plants by digging tunnels that weaken the roots. This can make a lawn look thin and patchy. Mole crickets also attract predators like raccoons and armadillos, who dig up the ground to search for them. If left untreated, a mole cricket infestation can quickly spread, making it harder to control.
Yes, mole crickets can be difficult to eliminate because they live underground. There are a few ways to check if you have mole crickets in your yard. One simple method is to pour a mixture of dish soap and water on the ground—this forces the crickets to the surface. Other treatment options include insecticides, but they must be applied at the right time to be effective. This is where our cricket control experts at Ehrlich can help.
Learn more about the best ways to get rid of crickets and prevent them from becoming a problem in your home or yard.
Seeing one mole cricket in your yard is not necessarily a problem, but a larger number can lead to serious damage. A population of five or more mole crickets per square foot is considered an infestation. Signs of mole crickets include patches of dead or thinning grass, raised tunnels in the soil, and an increase in birds or raccoons digging in your yard. If you notice these signs, it’s best to act quickly before the problem worsens.
If mole crickets are damaging your lawn, our effective cricket control services can help.
Mole crickets are drawn to soft, moist soil that makes digging easier. Lawns with thick grass, sandy soil, or areas with high moisture levels are especially attractive to them. Overwatering and excessive fertilization can also create ideal conditions for mole crickets.
Mole crickets are most active in the spring and early summer. This is when the eggs hatch, and young nymphs begin tunneling and feeding. Adults are also more active during warm months, especially in the evening when they come to the surface.
One way to bring mole crickets to the surface is by using a soapy water test. Mix dish soap with water and pour it over a suspected infested area. If mole crickets are present, they will quickly emerge from the soil.
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