Mole Crickets

Managing Mole Crickets in Florida Lawns and Landscapes

Mole crickets may not be the most visible lawn pest, but they are among the most damaging. Common across Florida and the Southeast, these pests tunnel underground and feed on grass roots and shoots, leaving behind soft, brown patches of turf that can spread quickly if untreated.

They’re especially problematic in Bermuda and centipede grass, but have also been known to damage St. Augustine lawns in parts of Florida. If your grass looks thin, patchy, or pulls up easily, mole crickets could be the cause.

Mole Cricket Activity and Damage: What to Look For

Mole crickets spend most of their lives underground. Like true moles, they burrow through the soil, disrupting root systems and separating the grass from its base. Their feeding activity creates spongy, dying areas of turf that feel loose underfoot.

Because they’re nocturnal and hidden most of the time, mole crickets often go unnoticed until turf damage becomes widespread, especially during the summer when nymphs (young crickets) are actively feeding.

How to Prevent Mole Cricket Damage

Keeping mole crickets out of your lawn starts with maintaining healthy turf and watching for early signs of trouble. Whether you manage a home lawn or a commercial landscape, these practices can help reduce mole cricket activity:

Aerate your lawn to promote deep root growth and improve soil structure
Water and fertilize properly—avoid overwatering and heavy nitrogen in spring
Monitor for loose, thinning patches and spongy areas that lift easily
Look for burrow holes during spring and fall (especially near dusk)
Schedule a professional lawn inspection if mole cricket activity is suspected

Early intervention is key. Once mole cricket populations grow, their underground activity can cause rapid and costly turf damage.

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Don’t Let Mole Crickets Ruin Your Lawn

Mole crickets can quietly undo months of lawn care. Whether you manage a residential yard or a high-traffic landscape, Royal Pest Services offers local solutions to stop the damage before it spreads.