Mole Cricket Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are lawn-destroying pests that are primarily active during spring and summer months. These unique insects get their name from their distinctive mole-like front legs, which they use to tunnel through soil and damage grass.
- Size: 1.25 to 1.5 inches long
- Color: Brown to tan
- Shape: Cylindrical body with lobster-like pronotum
- Active Season: Spring through early fall
- Active Time: Most active during early morning and evening hours
- Distinctive Feature: Large, claw-like front legs for tunneling
What Do Mole Crickets Look Like?
Mole crickets have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other lawn pests. Their most notable feature is their powerful front legs that resemble the claws of a mole, which they use for burrowing through soil. They have a unique pronotum (shield-like segment) attached to their head, giving them a lobster-like appearance, and some may have wings.
Key Identifying Features
- Front Legs: Large, claw-like appendages adapted for digging
- Pronotum: Distinctive shield-like segment attached to head
- Body Structure: Cylindrical shape with wing capabilities
- Size Comparison: About the length of a quarter to half-dollar
Property Damage Risks
Mole crickets can cause extensive damage to lawns in a short period if left untreated.
- Underground tunneling that uproots grass
- Creation of brown, dead patches throughout the lawn
- Soil disruption that weakens grass root systems
- Track-like tunnels visible in affected areas
Where to Look for Mole Crickets in Your Home
While mole crickets rarely enter homes, they can cause significant lawn damage. Look for signs of their presence in your yard, particularly during early morning or evening hours. Brown patches of grass and small, track-like tunnels are key indicators of mole cricket activity.
When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention is necessary when you notice:
- Multiple brown patches appearing in your lawn
- Visible tunneling patterns in your soil
- Continued lawn damage despite DIY treatment attempts
- Early signs of infestation to prevent extensive damage
