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A Mole Cricket is a type of insect known for its burrowing habits and mole-like appearance, with large front legs that are well adapted for digging. Mole Crickets feed on plants and roots, causing damage to lawns and other plant crops. They are considered a pest in many regions and are commonly found in warm and moist environments. Mole Crickets cause the most damage from late August to early October, and they are nocturnal, causing damage at night.
Mole Crickets are commonly found in the Southeast United States. Specifically, there are three species of Mole Crickets that are considered to be the most problematic.
• Southern Mole Crickets
• Short-winged Mole Crickets
• Tawny Mole Crickets
The tunneling activities of Mole Crickets can be very disruptive to many plants. They loosen the soil around the root system, causing the roots to dry out. Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass, particularly in areas with sandy soil, are often more affected than St. Augustine grass.
• Egg Stage: Mole Crickets lay their eggs in the soil, usually near the surface and usually in April and May. The eggs hatch after about 2 to 3 weeks.
• Nymph Stage: Young Mole Crickets, known as nymphs, are similar in appearance to the adult insects but are smaller and lack fully developed wings. They go through several molts, or sheds, as they grow and mature. This stage lasts for approximately 3 to 4 months.
• Adult Stage: Once the nymphs reach maturity, they become adult Mole Crickets. Adults have large hind legs that allow them to dig through soil and wings that enable them to fly. They mate and lay eggs in the soil, starting the cycle all over again. Adults typically live for about one year, and there is one generation of Mole Crickets per year.
Mole Cricket damage can be difficult to identify and may become a significant problem if left undiagnosed. A change in cultural practices can help deter infestations of this pest. However, if damage becomes severe, other forms of control may be necessary.
A thick, healthy, well-maintained lawn is always the best line of defense. This can be achieved through beneficial cultural practices, which include:
• Watering: Deep and infrequent watering is essential for strong plant health and development. A general rule of thumb is to water each area of your lawn for 30-45 minutes, twice per week, in the early morning so the turf is dry by nightfall.
• Mowing: Maintain a regular mowing schedule throughout the growing season. In general, you should keep your lawn between 2 1⁄2 and 3 1⁄2 inches high, but during the hottest weeks of summer, you may allow the grass to grow as high as 4 inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at each mowing.
• Fertilizing: Regular applications of Weed Man’s specially formulated, slow-release granular fertilizer will help provide your lawn with adequate nutrients. These applications are timed specifically to avoid over fertilizing the lawn.
• Core Aeration: Aerating your lawn can improve soil drainage and help reduce the likelihood of insect infestations. It will also alleviate soil compaction and allow water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil.
Your local Weed Man professional may be able to offer other solutions and recommend the best form of treatment that is available to improve the conditions of your lawn.
