Are Mole Crickets Poisonous? Uncovering the Truth About These Insects

Mole crickets are a unique family of insects that spend most of their lives underground.

With their modified front legs, they can easily tunnel through the soil, causing damage to turf grass and lawns¹.

Many people may wonder if these insects are poisonous or pose a threat to humans and pets. This is exactly what we are going to find out in this article.

Are Mole Crickets Poisonous?

No, mole crickets are not poisonous.

While they can cause significant damage to your lawn, they do not contain venom or any harmful substances that can affect humans or animals.

These insects are primarily considered a nuisance due to the damage they cause to turfgrass and other plants in their search for food³.

So, if you come across a mole cricket, rest assured that it poses no danger to you or your pets in terms of poisoning.

However, it is essential to address any possible infestation, as these insects can cause noticeable damage to your lawn and garden over time.

Mole Cricket Appearance

Mole crickets are unique insects with a distinctive appearance. They have front legs modified for digging, similar to a mole’s, which help them tunnel through the soil.

Additionally, these underground dwellers have wings and antennae.

Key physical features of mole crickets include:

• Front legs: Designed for digging
• Wings: Adult mole crickets have wings
• Antennae: Important sensory organs

These features can be observed in both adult and nymph mole crickets, with nymphs being smaller and less developed.

Species

There are multiple species of mole crickets found across the world.

Some of the most common ones include the tawny mole cricket, southern mole cricket, and northern mole cricket. Here’s a comparison table of these species:

While the tawny mole cricket’s feeding habits predominantly cause damage to turf grass, southern mole crickets mainly function as predators in the soil.

Habitat and Behavior of Mold Crickets

Tunneling

Mole crickets, a unique family of crickets, are known for their tunneling behavior. They have modified “hands” (front legs) that help them create tunnels in the soil¹. Their tunnels can be categorized into two types:

• Shallow tunnels: Found near the surface, often visible on lawns
• Deep tunnels: Located deeper in the soil, used for overwintering and hiding from predators

Feeding on Roots

Mole crickets, particularly the southern and tawny mole cricket species, can cause damage to lawns by feeding on the roots of turfgrass³.

This feeding behavior leads to extensive damage as they create tunnels and destroy the root systems.

They are commonly found in southeastern U.S., southern Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida⁴.

Mating and Reproduction

The mole cricket life cycle consists of eggs, nymphs, and adults. They mate during spring, with males attracting females using a calling song.

After mating, females lay eggs in the soil, typically in small chambers created within deep tunnels⁴.

Key aspects of their reproduction include:

• Eggs: A single female can lay up to 60 eggs in her lifetime. Some species are known to lay 100 to 150 eggs during this period.
• Nymphs: Eggs hatch into nymphs after 2-4 weeks, and they undergo several molts before becoming adults
• Adults: Both southern and tawny mole crickets have functional wings, allowing them to fly and find new habitats for breeding³

Mole Cricket Control

One method to identify and control mole cricket infestations is using a soapy water drench^2.

Have a look at the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

Geographical Distribution

United States

Mole crickets are known to inhabit the southeastern United States, with populations extending from southern Florida to North Carolina.

They are considered a significant pest in the region, causing damage to turfgrass like Bermuda and Bahia¹.

Monitoring these invasive insects is crucial for turfgrass management programs.

Europe

In Europe, mole crickets are less of a concern and their distribution is not as widespread as in the United States or South America.

South America

South America is considered the native habitat of certain mole cricket species, like the tawny mole cricket and southern mole cricket³.

These species have since been introduced to other areas, including Florida⁴, where they have caused significant damage to turfgrass.

Table showing the geographical distribution of mole crickets

Causes and Signs of Lawn Damage

Mole crickets are members of the Gryllotalpidae family within the Orthoptera order, which also includes grasshoppers and locusts. They can cause significant damage to lawns, especially in Southern US states.

To identify mole cricket damage, look for these signs:

• Dead or dying grass
• Uneven surface caused by tunneling
• Hollow or spongy feel underfoot

A good method for detecting their presence is the soapy water drench.

Pour a mixture of water and dish soap on the affected area. If mole crickets are present, they should emerge.

Affected Grass Species

Mole crickets primarily target warm-season grasses. Here’s a list of the most commonly affected species:

• Bermudagrass
• Zoysiagrass
• St. Augustine
• Centipede
• Bahia grass

The following table compares the susceptibility of popular warm-season grasses to mole cricket infestations:

Keep in mind that although mole crickets are not poisonous, they can cause extensive damage to your lawn if not addressed.

Early identification and treatment with appropriate pesticides can help protect your turf grass and maintain a healthy lawn.

Control and Treatment Methods

Natural Predators

Mole crickets have several natural predators that can help control their population. Some examples include:

• Birds
• Toads
• Ants
• Spiders

These predators are attracted to gardens with diverse plants, such as chrysanthemums and marigolds.

Monitoring Techniques

To monitor mole cricket activity, perform the following steps:

1. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap with a gallon of water.
2. Pour the soapy water over a 2 square foot area of the infested turf.
3. Observe mole crickets surfacing within a few minutes if they’re present.

Soapy water is effective because mole crickets are more vulnerable in their nymph stage.

Chemical Control

For effective chemical control of mole crickets, use granules or liquid insecticides. Some key aspects to consider:

• Chemicals: Apply chemicals in late June or early July, when nymphs are small.
• Granules: These are ideal for application during summer.
• Liquid insecticides: They leave longer residual effect in late summer.

Different chemical control methods

Remember, always follow label instructions when using chemicals for mole cricket treatment.

Natural methods, such as introducing nematodes, can also be effective in controlling mole crickets.

Conclusion

Mole crickets, with their unique tunneling behavior and modified front legs, can damage turf grass and lawns.

While they are not poisonous and do not pose a threat to humans or pets through poisoning, their feeding habits can cause significant harm to vegetation.

Early detection and appropriate control methods, including natural predators, soapy water monitoring, and chemical treatments, are essential for safeguarding lawns and maintaining healthy grass growth.

It’s crucial to address any potential infestations to prevent further damage and preserve the integrity of your outdoor spaces.