Content:
- What are Mole Crickets?
- Mole Crickets Physical Appearance
- Why are Called “Mole” Crickets?
- What is Their Connection with Crickets?
- Mole Crickets and Other Pests
- How To Deal with Mole Crickets?
- Conclusion
Mole crickets. They’re one of those things that you know are out there, but you hope you never have to encounter. These cricket-like creatures can do a lot of damage to your lawn and garden, and they can be really tough to get rid of.
In this post, we’ll discuss what mole crickets are, what they do, and how to get rid of them. Stay tuned!
What are Mole Crickets?
Mole crickets are fascinating creatures that have many unique features, including their hands (or front legs). These modified limbs allow them to tunnel through the soil with ease and make them proficient burrowers.
In addition to their interesting anatomy, these crickets also play a significant role in the environment.
These crickets can be pests when they invade turfgrass areas or crop fields, but they also provide benefits to those ecosystems. Their populations help cycle nutrients through the soil and aerate the earth, as they are an important part of the food chain and support a variety of other organisms.
For example, the tawny (Neoscapteriscus vicinus), southern (Neoscapteriscus borellii), and short-winged (Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus) mole crickets are considered pests in Florida. The northern (Neocurtilla hexadactyla) mole cricket, which is found throughout the eastern United States, is also a native species, though it is not considered a pest.
However, it is important to consider all aspects of these insects before labeling them as pests and taking measures to control them.
Mole Crickets Physical Appearance
These crickets have cylindrical bodies, beady eyes, and shovel-like forelimbs, giving them a mole-like appearance, especially around their enlarged heads.
However, because mole crickets are only about 1.5 inches long, the resemblance to moles is often overlooked. If you ever catch one of these critters in your yard, make sure to examine it carefully to see how much it resembles a mole! These crickets are actually quite interesting creatures.
They burrow underground, using their shovel-like forelimbs to dig tunnels. They are also good flyers, and can sometimes be seen flitting about aboveground in search of mates or food.
If you have this kind of cricket infestation in your yard, you may notice small mounds of dirt or damaged plants. While they can be a nuisance, these crickets are actually quite harmless creatures.
Why are Called “Mole” Crickets?
These crickets are strange creatures that, as their name suggests, look like a cross between a mole and a cricket. These pests are known for their destructive habits, which can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens.
Mole crickets tunnel beneath the soil, feeding on grass roots and destroying plant life. They also create raised mounds of dirt, which can be unsightly. In addition, these pests are known to eat earthworm larvae and other ground insects.
If you suspect that you have these crickets in your yard, look for patches of dead grass and exit and entry holes near mound structures. eradicating these pests can be difficult, but it is important to take action to protect your lawn or garden.
What is Their Connection with Crickets?
As any bug lover knows, there are many different types of crickets. There are tree crickets, tunneling crickets, and of course, mole crickets. These crickets got their name for an obvious reason: their hind legs resemble cricket legs.
In fact, many species of mole cricket have cricket-like appearances. However, their back legs aren’t designed for jumping like a normal cricket would be. If you come across one of these creatures in your yard, they will not flee by flying away as a normal cricket would. Instead, they will try to get away by running across the ground or burrowing into the soil.
Mole Crickets and Other Pests
Most people would agree that mole crickets are not the most desirable creatures to have to scurry around in their yard.
Not only are they ugly and creepy-looking, but they can also cause damage to your lawn by burrowing holes and eating plants. But did you know that mole crickets can also attract other pests?
Numerous nuisance animals enjoy eating mole crickets, including raccoons, skunks, and armadillos. While this may seem like a good thing at first (after all, who wants mole crickets around?), it can actually cause more problems than it solves.
If raccoons or skunks feed on mole crickets in your yard, they may leave ticks and fleas behind, exacerbating your pest problems.
How To Deal with Mole Crickets?
If you’ve ever dealt with mole crickets, you know they can be quite a nuisance. These little creatures are known for their destructive habits, and they can quickly wreak havoc on your lawn or garden. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
First, try to locate the main tunnel where they’re living. This can be difficult, but it’s important to find it so you can treat the area.
Next, use a product that contains boric acid or pyrethrin to kill the crickets.
Finally, make sure to keep your lawn or garden well-maintained so the crickets don’t have any food or shelter. By following these steps, you can get rid of mole crickets and keep your yard looking great.
Conclusion
So there you have it- mole crickets. The scourge of the south, and a surprisingly interesting creature. While they may be pesky pests, they are also fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystems.
Next time you’re out enjoying nature, keep your eyes peeled for these little guys (and girls). And if you find yourself plagued by mole crickets, remember that we’re here to help!
