Bug Identification Database

Mole Crickets

Mole crickets are the number one pest of yards and turf areas in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina and Florida. In recent years, because of the warm winters, their range has extended as far north as the coastal areas of North Carolina and New Jersey. Their damage appears as brown spongy areas within normal green grass. These spots are very soft to walk on.

Upon inspection you will notice the grass roots have been eaten. They are especially fond of Bermuda, St. Augustine and Centipede grass. If left untreated, they can completely destroy a city yard in a matter of weeks.

Adult mole crickets are plump, winged and 1 to 1.25 inches long. They are seldom seen, because, like moles, they stay underground most of the time eating the roots of your grass.

They fly and mate twice a year, spring and fall. At this time you will find their exit holes about an inch in diameter. These holes are surrounded by small kernels of dirt. The nymphs are wingless but look like small adults. The nymphs can become very numerous and cause great damage to your grass during the warm summer months.

Mole crickets have become resistant to most of the common insecticides. These include Diazinon, Dursban, Malathion and Sevin.