How to identify and get rid of mole crickets
Frankenstein bugs: keeping mole crickets out of your yard
If you’ve ever done some digging in your yard and come across what looks like the hybrid child of a mole and cricket, then you’ve seen the invasive mole cricket pest!
Mole crickets dig close to the soil’s surface in your lawn, causing damage to turfgrasses and sod. Since they stay underground for most of their lives, the destruction tends to go unnoticed until things get severe.
They prefer more sandy or loamy soils and prefer moist soils too. Young and newly planted lawns are the most susceptible to damage.
How to identify mole crickets
Mole crickets are specialized for digging tunnels under the soil. Because of that, they have a cylindrical shape to their body that helps them move through the dirt, and their front legs are modified to act like little shovels, quickly pushing soil away. The eyes of a mole cricket are also very small, as they don’t need to do a lot of seeing underground.
Their wings usually look very leathery and some species have shorter wings than others. The only time they use their wings is when they go on their initial mating flight.
Since they live underground for most of their lives, knowing what the damage in your yard looks like can help you better monitor for a mole cricket infestation.
Signs of a mole cricket infestation may include:
- Small mounds of dirt in the lawn
- Soft or spongy ground
- Dead patches of grass
How big are mole crickets?
Mole crickets are robust insects ranging between 1.3 and 1.4 inches long.
What other pests look like a mole cricket?
Mole crickets have a pretty distinct look all to their own, but crickets and perhaps grasshoppers may be confused with mole crickets. However, those digger arms are hard to miss!
Where do mole crickets live?
There are many different types of mole crickets found throughout the world, and several invasive species have made their way to the United States and have a become significant problem for yard owners and golf courses.
How to get rid of mole crickets
Getting rid of mole crickets completely is nearly impossible to do, but you can reduce their numbers to avoid damage done to your yard.
First, you want to determine if you have mole crickets in your grass. The best way to check is to pour a gallon of soapy water over a small area of your lawn and wait for any mole crickets to emerge.
If you find mole crickets popping up in your grass, then an insecticide spray is the most effective treatment option. There are both liquid sprays and granular insecticides you can use. For a pro-grade solution without the hassle of a pest control technician, check out Pestie’s DIY option. It’ll set up a barrier around your home, preventing pests from invading your property. You can also use the spray to spot treat problem areas.
Before you apply an insecticide spray, it’s best to water the lawn to bring mole crickets closer to the surface. The drier your lawn, the deeper the mole crickets dig.
Treat mole crickets with Pestie
If you're still having trouble keeping mole crickets away, the best option is to use a pro-grade, effective pest control solution like Pestie.
Pestie is a do-it-yourself pest control solution that's specially designed to keep mole crickets and other pests away from your home.
With Pestie, you can rest easy knowing that your living space is protected and free of creepy crawlies. And the best part? It's designed for people, pets, and the planet, so you can say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to peace of mind!
- Save hundreds compared to traditional annual pest plans
- People, pet, and planet-friendly
- Pro-grade customized formulas
Quick facts
- Scientific name
Family - Gryllotalpidae
- Other common names
Northern Mole Crickets, Southern Mole Crickets, Western Mole Crickets, Prairie Mole Crickets, European Mole Crickets, Oriental Mole Crickets, Short-winged Mole Crickets, West Indian Mole Crickets, Imitator Mole Crickets, Tawny Mole Crickets
- Colors
Brown and tan
- Life span
1 year
- Diet
Plant roots, soil arthropods, organic matter
How dangerous are Mole Crickets?
Low danger risk
Mole crickets don’t spread any diseases to humans or pets, and they won’t bite or sting.
Male mole crickets dig a special burrow that helps amplify their chirping to better attract a mate!