Southern Mole Cricket

Scapteriscus borellii

The Southern Mole Cricket is a lawn-damaging insect primarily found in the southern parts of the United States—particularly in the coastal regions. Also known as Scapteriscus borellii, lawn damage caused by this lawn pest usually occurs from late July through September.

Identify

Mole Crickets

Sub Surface

An adult Southern Mole Cricket is dark to reddish-brown in color. This lawn pest has a pronotum that sometimes has a general mottled color, though it can also feature a series of distinct, pale spots. This species of mole cricket can be identified by the unique U-shaped area between the claws of its foreleg. This is the best feature for identifying the Southern Mole Cricket as it is not found on the Tawny Mole Cricket. The Southern Mole Cricket prefers to prey on other insects and lawn pests—including other mole crickets. However, it causes considerable damage to plants and grass as well. Most of this damage is believed to be caused by tunneling rather than feeding.

Life Cycle

Control

There are two methods for controlling Southern Mole Crickets that TruGreen® recommends: 1. Use professionally applied pest control designed to prevent excess lawn pest populations, which can cause damage to your lawn 2. Kill insects, grubs and other lawn pests before they have a chance to damage your lawn Proper mowing and watering techniques can also help foster a healthy lawn that's more tolerant to lawn pest attacks—plus you'll get a lawn you'll want to live on in the process.