Mole crickets are insects that damage Southern lawns by tunneling through the soil near the surface and feeding on the roots of grass plants. Although you'll seldom see them because they live underground, adult mole crickets are 1-2 inches long with large beady eyes, spade-like front legs, and grayish-brown bodies.
Mole crickets are a big problem in the Southeastern United States, where they are prevalent. They eat the roots of mainly bahiagrass and bermudagrass, but will also feed on St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, and zoysia. However, they cause most of their damage by burrowing through the soil. They tunnel through the top 1-2 inches of soil, loosening it and uprooting the grass plants, which then dry out.
Watch for Mounds or Tunnels
Mole crickets eat at night and can tunnel as much as 10-20 feet. You may see small mounds of soil scattered on the soil surface, or the lawn may feel spongy underfoot due to the insects' tunnels. The grass will turn brown and die in areas where mole crickets have tunneled.
Early Treatment Works Best
During the day, mole crickets return to burrows deep below the soil surface, which makes these pests difficult to control. Treatments are most effective when applied early in the spring or summer to prevent infestation, or at the first sign of insect damage. If you use Ortho® Bug-B-Gon® Insect Killer for Lawns, following the label directions.