Mole Crickets and Turf Grass

What are mole crickets?

Mole crickets (right and below; and picture of mole cricket nymph) are crickets, insects closely related to grasshoppers, that burrow in soil instead of living above ground like other crickets. Mole crickets have front legs that are adapted to burrowing and lack the jumping hind legs that are characteristic of some crickets and grasshoppers.

Mole crickets can be important pests in certain crops and turf grass (home lawns, golf courses, sod farms, etc.). Damage is caused by direct root feeding and the burrowing activity that destroys roots. Mole crickets are omnivores feeding on small soil insects as well as plant roots and shoots. Some species are extremely damaging to turf especially in warm climates like the southeastern US.

Mole crickets typically have only one generation per year so populations will tend to grow slowly. They exhibit a simple type of development in which immature mole crickets (nymphs) resemble adults except in size and they lack wings.

other common names: camel crickets, hump backed crickets, southern mole cricket, tawny mole cricket

How to avoid mole cricket damage

Mole crickets can be very difficult to control because the grass and soil layer protect them from surface-applied chemicals. In commercial settings like golf courses contact local experts for information about treating mole crickets with insecticides. Homeowners have had some success limiting damage with entomopathogenic nematodes. And, imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced, others) is a conventional insecticide that is registered for mole cricket control. Be sure to follow application instructions carefully for the individual products. The best time to control mole crickets is early to mid-summer when your soapy water scouting shows significant activity.