Mole Cricket Identification in Florida

The mole cricket is an invasive insect from the family Gryllotalpidae. They get their name because they do kind of look and act like moles! They’re found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and in the U.S, they’re common all around Florida and the rest of the Southeast. 

There are several species of mole crickets, including the tawny mole cricket and the southern mole cricket. The tawny mole cricket is found in the eastern United States and is known for its brown or reddish-brown coloring. The southern mole cricket, which is native to the southeastern United States, is larger and more destructive than the tawny mole cricket. It is known for its distinctive chirping sound, which it uses to communicate with other mole crickets.

Mole crickets are nocturnal and most active during the warmer months of the year. They’re known for their strong, powerful front legs that they use to dig tunnels and burrows in the soil. These tunnels can be up to three feet deep and can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and agricultural crops.

Mole crickets can be difficult to control because of their underground habits. One way to prevent mole cricket infestations is to eliminate their food sources, such as grubs and other insects. Another method is to use traps or bait to kill or capture the mole crickets. Pesticides can also be used, but they should be applied carefully to avoid harming other beneficial insects or pets.

If mole crickets keep coming back to your lawn, it may be time for professional intervention. Luckily, you can rely on Native Pest Management for lawn pest services, including mole crickets. Call us today to schedule your free lawn inspection!