While the vast majority of pest prevention is centered around protecting your home, it is important to note that some pests have another target in mind: your lawn. Among the enemies that could potentially attack your lawn, one of the most destructive is the mole cricket. These pests can be a major problem for Florida homeowners, and it is important to know how to deal with them if they come after your lawn!
Mole cricket identification:
Mole crickets are small, grey-colored insects that can be identified by their velvety bodies and large front legs. These front legs are used for digging, allowing mole crickets to burrow beneath the soil with ease. Identifying a mole cricket infestation can be difficult due to their nocturnal feeding habits and reclusive nature. If they happen to be on the surface, they will usually be near the base of the grass, making them difficult to spot.
How mole crickets attack your lawn:
Mole crickets are omnivores with a preference for feeding on grasses. In the fall, mole crickets will lay their eggs in burrows beneath the soil. These eggs will hatch at the beginning of spring, and the new mole cricket nymphs will begin to feed on the roots of grasses in your lawn. This can quickly lead to large dead patches in your lawn that are both unsightly and actively reduce the overall health of the lawn. Homeowners will often first notice the dead spots in the lawn as the first sign of mole cricket activity.
Protecting your lawn from mole crickets:
Mole crickets are attracted to lawns with large amounts of thatch. You can reduce thatch buildup on your lawn by practicing proper mowing techniques and not overdoing fertilizer or water usage. If you are seeing signs of mole cricket activity around your lawn, your best bet is to call in the professionals.
At Arrow Pest Service, we are a full-service pest control AND lawn care company with decades of experience. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of service in the industry, all at a price that fits your budget!
So if you looking for lawn care professionals that you can trust, or simply have a question, call us today at 850-204-0318!
PS. Don’t Forget to ask about our three-month FREE Pest Control Offer and one-month FREE Lawn Spraying!!!
PPS. Ask about our FREE Exclusive 58-Point Inspection!