Are Mole Crickets Rare? Uncovering the Truth About Their Rarity

Mole crickets are unique insects that primarily live underground, using their specialized front legs to tunnel through the soil.

These insects are common turfgrass pests in places like Florida and the southeastern U.S. as well as in other parts of the world.

While some may wonder if mole crickets are rare, it’s important to know that their population and impact vary depending on the species and region.

In Georgia, for example, mole crickets are considered serious pests, causing significant damage to turfgrass and resulting in annual losses exceeding $20 million.

On the other hand, the northern mole cricket is native to South Carolina and generally causes little to no harm to lawns.

The tawny and southern mole crickets are introduced species and can cause more damage.

Are Mole Crickets Rare?

No, mole crickets are not considered rare.

They are naturally elusive and not often seen, remaining somewhat rare in appearance. Their nocturnal behavior and subterranean lifestyle led to their infrequent sightings.

They belong to a family of insects found in many parts of the world, primarily in temperate and tropical regions.

These subterranean creatures are known for their burrowing habits, which can sometimes lead to damage to lawns and crops.

Mole Cricket: Characteristics and Life Cycle

Mole crickets mostly live underground and have modified “hands” (front legs) for tunneling through the soil¹.

Some notable features of mole crickets include:

• Nocturnal behavior¹
• Front legs built for burrowing¹
• Wings in adults²

Life Cycle

The life cycle of mole crickets consists of three stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Southern mole crickets have a one-year life cycle³, whereas northern and prairie species have two- or three-year life cycles².

Different Species

There are several mole cricket species, each with its unique characteristics:

1. Northern Mole Cricket (Neocurtilla hexadactyla): Occurs throughout the United States and causes less damage⁴.
2. Southern Mole Cricket (Scapteriscus borellii): Feeds primarily on small soil creatures and may damage plant roots⁴.
3. Tawny Mole Cricket (Scapteriscus vicinus): Primarily damages turfgrass and is an introduced species in the United States⁵.
4. Short-winged Mole Cricket (Scapteriscus abbreviatus): Primarily consumes plant matter but also minorly preys on insects. It targets plant roots, stems, and leaves, resembling the feeding habits of the tawny mole cricket.

Habitat and Distribution

Natural Habitat

Mole crickets can be found across the Southeastern United States, including North Carolina, Southern Georgia, and other parts of the region¹.

There are several species of mole crickets, with some native to the area and others introduced².

Preferred Soil Conditions

Mole crickets prefer loose, sandy soil and well-drained areas.

These conditions allow them to easily burrow and create tunnels for feeding and nesting⁴.

Some mole cricket species, like the tawny mole cricket and the southern mole cricket, are considered pests due to the damage they cause to lawns and plants⁶.

Comparison of Mole Cricket Species in the Southeastern U.S.

Feeding and Damage

Mole crickets primarily feed on plant roots, stems, and leaves. They are adaptable pests, known for their tunneling behavior, which can cause significant damage to turf and plants.

Mole cricket damage is closely related to their digging and moisture requirements.

They prefer moist soil for easier tunneling and are more active during warm, wet periods.

Impact on Turf and Plants

Mole crickets can negatively impact various grass types, especially bermudagrass and bahiagrass, commonly found in golf courses and residential lawns.

They cause problems by:

• Severing grass roots and shoots
• Burrowing through the soil, creating tunnels
• Disrupting germinating seeds
• Leaving small mounds of soil on the surface

Signs of Infestation

Visible signs of mole cricket damage include:

• Dead or dying grass patches
• Disrupted soil with small mounds
• Presence of tunnels near the surface

Therefore, the feeding habits and tunneling behavior of mole crickets adversely affect turf and plants.

Regular monitoring and early detection of signs can help manage and control infestations effectively.

Methods to Control Mole Cricket Infestations

Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments are often used to manage mole cricket infestations in turfgrass.

Common chemical treatments include:

• Imidacloprid: Effective in targeting mole cricket nymph stage
• Bifenthrin: A synthetic pyrethroid used for fast knockdown of mole crickets
• Carbaryl: Works as a mole cricket bait for invasive mole crickets

These pesticides have varying levels of effectiveness and safety, and it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their use.

Pros

• Quick results
• Effective against multiple life stages of mole crickets

Cons

• May be harmful to beneficial insects and the environment
• Potential to develop pesticide resistance

Biological Control

Biological control involves using natural enemies to manage mole cricket populations.

The University of Florida has researched classical biological control methods using the following:

• Nematodes: Beneficial parasitic organisms that infest mole cricket nymphs
• Larra wasps (Larra bicolor): A parasitoid wasp that feeds on mole cricket eggs and nymphs

These biocontrol agents are environmentally friendly and target mole cricket populations without causing harm to beneficial insects or the surrounding ecosystem.

Pros

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Targets specific mole cricket species

Cons

• Requires more time and effort for implementation
• May not provide immediate results

Natural Methods

Natural methods for mole cricket control focus on preserving native species and discouraging mole cricket development.

Some examples include:

• Planting bahiagrass: A type of turfgrass less favored by mole crickets
• Reducing exterior lights: Mole crickets are attracted to light, so dimming or turning off exterior lights can help deter them from invading lawns
• Making a soapy water solution: Mix liquid dishwashing soap with water to create a dish soap solution that can be poured into mole cricket burrows, forcing them to the surface where they can be removed

Natural predators, such as raccoons and armadillos, can also help to control mole cricket populations in the environment.

Pros

• Eco-friendly and less harmful to other organisms
• Encourages preservation of native species

Cons

• May be less effective on severe infestations
• Can require more time and effort to implement

Remember, dealing with mole cricket infestations can be challenging, but a combination of preventive measures and treatment methods can help protect your lawns and gardens from these pests.

Dealing with Mole Cricket Infestations

Preventive Measures

Mole crickets, known for their spade-like feet and tunneling abilities, can be a nuisance to lawns and gardens. To prevent infestations, consider the following measures:

• Maintain healthy grass: Select grass species that are less appealing to mole crickets, like Bermuda grass or Bahia grass.
• Monitor soil temperature: Mole crickets are more active in warmer soil temperatures. Regularly check soil temperature to detect early signs of infestation.
• Encourage natural predators: Attract birds and other insects that feed on mole crickets to help keep their population in check.

Here’s a comparison table of different grass types and their resistance to mole cricket infestations:

Conclusion

Mole crickets are unique insects with specialized front legs for tunneling through soil. Common pests in regions like Florida, their impact varies by species and location.

While they remain elusive due to nocturnal behavior, they’re not rare worldwide. The destructive potential of mole crickets is evident, causing damage to lawns and crops, prompting various control methods.

Vigilance and integrated approaches are essential to manage these subterranean pests effectively.