Mole Cricket Identification in Florida

Habitat And Distribution

Mole crickets are commonly found in Florida and other parts of the Southeastern United States, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and even South America. 

These insects are known for their unique underground tunneling behavior that allows them to adapt to various environments and soil types.

In Florida, mole crickets are found in sandy soil. By burrowing through the soil, these insects can efficiently move through many square feet in search of food sources and mates, as well as protect themselves from predators. 

Their ability to thrive in different soil types also contributes to their widespread distribution.

Impact And Damage

Mole crickets can cause severe damage to turfgrass and lawns. They primarily feed on the roots of various grasses, like the bermuda grass and bahia grass we have here in Florida, leading to weakened  growth and eventual death of the turf. 

Common signs of mole cricket damage include spongy soil, irregularly shaped patches of yellow or brown grass, and visible tunnels near the surface.

These insects are especially harmful to seedlings and young turfgrass due to their vulnerable root systems. Mature turf may also be affected, resulting in thinned or dead patches. Golf courses, sod farms, and residential lawns are also commonly affected areas.

Like other living species, mole crickets have their fair share of predators. Understanding mole cricket predators can help you maintain mole cricket populations.

Mole Cricket Predators

• Birds such as crows, blue jays, and mockingbirds are known to feed on mole cricket larvae and adults, particularly when the insects emerge at night or after rain showers. These avian predators can dig into the soil to capture mole cricket larvae.
• Armadillos and raccoons both dig into the soil to find mole cricket larvae and adults. These animals actively hunt for mole crickets, however, their digging can sometimes cause additional damage to lawns and crops.

One of the most specialized mole cricket predators is the Larra wasp. This parasitoid wasp specifically targets mole crickets as hosts for its larvae. Female Larra wasps sting and paralyze mole crickets, laying their eggs on the immobilized insects. Once the wasp larvae hatch, they feed on the mole cricket, eventually killing it.

Control And Management

To effectively control and manage these pests, several methods are available, and they can be used in combination.

• Homeowners can make soil less attractive to mole crickets with proper irrigation management. Over-watering can create moist soil conditions that are conducive to mole cricket activity.
• Insecticides and simple fertilization can be an effective option for controlling mole crickets. Liquid insecticides are generally more effective than granular insecticides when the soil is moist and mole crickets are close to the surface.
• Nematodes can also be a useful biological control agent against mole crickets. These microscopic worms can be applied to the affected areas and will infect and kill the mole crickets. This method is typically more effective when used in early summer, as mole cricket nymphs are still small and close to the surface.
• Using a solution of soapy water can help flush out mole crickets from their tunnels, making them easier to spot and target with pesticides. This method, along with natural pest control, can also help homeowners determine the severity of their mole cricket problem.

It is important to begin treatments as soon as mole cricket activity is detected or suspected. Early intervention can prevent the problem from escalating and causing further damage to lawns and gardens.