Mole Crickets
Burrowing insects that tunnel through the soil just below the surface, uprooting grass and severing roots. Mole crickets are a major lawn pest in the Southeast, particularly in sandy soils. Damage appears as spongy, raised tunnels and dying turf.
Mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) are adapted burrowers — their front legs are shovel-like for digging. They tunnel through the top inch of soil at night, uprooting grass and feeding on roots and plant material. Their tunneling also desiccates roots by creating air pockets.
Signs: Spongy, raised ridges in the lawn surface. Irregular dead patches. Spongy feel when walking across the lawn.
Soap flush test: Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap in 1 gallon of water and pour over a 2 sq ft area. If mole crickets are present, they will surface within a few minutes.
Control: Apply bifenthrin or imidacloprid in late summer when young nymphs are active near the surface. Nematodes (Steinernema scapterisci) are an effective biological control option.
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