Mole Cricket Information
Appearance:
Mole crickets are small, approximately 3-5cm in length. They are brown, tan, or gray in color, and they have stripes across their bodies. They have small eyes, long antennae, are cylinder-shaped, and they have claw-like fore limbs, that allows them to dig and burrow in the ground. They are also distinguishable by the loud chirping noise that they make, especially during the nighttime hours.
Location and Behavior Patterns:
Mole crickets are most active during the early Spring, which is also the best time to treat for them, if you suspect that you have a mole cricket infestation. Treating them as young nymphs will be more effective, than when their population has expanded too much. They are harmful to the soil on your property, and they create tunnels underneath the ground that can be very harmful to your grass and other plants. Their presence is noticeable by small dirt mounds that you will see in your yard, or if you have areas of grass that appears brown and is dying. The affected areas will often be in lines, since the grass will be affected where the mole crickets and others are creating tunnels.
Treatment:
Treatment is recommended if you believe you have an infestation of mole crickets, and you suspect that they may do significant harm to your grass and plants. Insecticides are effective for treating mole crickets, and your pest control specialist can take care of the treatment for you.
Mole Crickets Threats And Dangers
Mole crickets are omnivorous and can eat through anything green on your lawn. They are considered an ecological threat as they ruin all your efforts to have a beautiful garden by burrowing through the soil and eating seedlings, roots, and turf grasses.
They do not directly affect humans or pets since they do not bite and are not venomous. However, they’re aggressive underground, where they lay their eggs during the spring and wreak havoc on your turf in summer.
FAQs
How do I get rid of mole crickets in Florida?
To get rid of mole crickets, you must first locate areas in your lawn where they live and pour in strong chemicals that can seep through the soil and the sub-surface tunnels they have built. It doesn’t end there. Whatever pesticide you use must also have a granular formula that works in the ground to kill nymphs as they hatch. It is crucial to work with a pest control expert for maximum results.
Are mole crickets invasive in Florida?
Mole crickets are just as invasive in Florida as they are in any other part of the country. They can survive wherever there is soil, seeds, and leaves. You should start preventive measures immediately if you have a garden or lawn.
Are mole crickets harmful to humans?
Mole crickets are not directly harmful to humans as they do not bite or release venom. However, they can damage plants and destroy tiny seedlings, nullifying all your efforts to have a beautiful lawn. Although these pests do not bite, they can make you feel small, sharp, and temporal pains when they land on your body because of the spiny tarsus.
When should I treat my lawn for mole crickets?
As experts say, “If you wait to see mole cricket damage on your lawn or garden before treatment, you are already late.” The best time to treat your lawn is in June and July when the nymphs are just starting to develop, and the damage is still minor.
You should also treat your lawn when you notice the first sign of a mole cricket or if your neighbors complain about mole cricket damage.
How do you prevent mole crickets?
Mole crickets burrow more aggressively into the soil when it is dry. A smart way to prevent mole crickets from dwelling on your lawn is to constantly water the lawn with a mixture of water and a dishwasher to bring them higher and make them easy to exterminate.
A certified pest control expert will also use pesticides that can stay in the soil for a few months to kill nymphs as they form and prevent other mole crickets from laying eggs.
How rare is a mole cricket?
Mole crickets are not rare at all. However, they are difficult to find since they live underground. They are relatively common, invasive, and can quickly multiply on your lawn if not proactively attended to.