In addition, both the tawny mole cricket and the southern mole cricket were imported from South America and do not have natural enemies to help control their population numbers. The native northern mole cricket is rarely a problem in South Carolina because it has many natural enemies that keep its population in check. Their front legs are short and stout and well adapted for tunneling in the soil. The southern mole cricket in South Carolina has a pronotal pattern with four distinct white dots against a darker brown background color. The tawny mole cricket has a distinct medium brown pattern against a lighter brown to tan background color.
Control is dependent upon an annual, well-timed plan.
Timing of controls and cultural practices are as important as the choice of insecticides. These treatments should be applied in June, July and early August while the nymphs are most sensitive to treatments. A good time to map out problem areas in the lawn is in the spring when adult mole crickets are present. These problem areas are where most of the nymphs will be found in late June and July. At this time, little damage is evident, but young nymphs will begin to show up following a soap flush.