Mole Cricket Extermination
Mole Cricket Exterminator Near Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Parrish
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Mole Crickets: What You Need to Know
If you’re dealing with strange noises in your lawn or noticing damage to your turf, you might have a mole cricket problem. These pests can quickly turn a beautiful yard into a patchy, unhealthy mess. At Rodent Solutions, we specialize in controlling and eliminating pests like mole crickets in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and surrounding areas. Read on to learn more about what mole crickets are, why they’re a problem, and how we can help you protect your property.
What Are Mole Crickets?
Mole crickets are insects that look similar to regular crickets but are much more destructive. They are small, brownish creatures with large, digging front legs, which help them burrow into the ground. Crickets spend most of their time underground, where they feed on grass and plant roots. They’re most active at night, which makes them difficult to spot.
These pests are common in Florida and can cause a lot of damage to both residential and commercial lawns. There are two main types of mole crickets: native and introduced species. Among them, the southern mole cricket and Tawny mole cricket are most commonly found in Florida. While both types share similar habits, the introduced species tends to cause more damage.
Why Are Mole Crickets a Problem?
1. Damage to Lawns and Gardens
Crickets feed on the roots of grass and plants, which can lead to brown, patchy areas in your lawn. Over time, these areas will become larger, and the grass may die off completely. If you have a garden, crickets can damage your plants, making them weak or causing them to die. This not only affects the look of your yard but can also lead to expensive lawn repairs. Crickets damage roots and shoots, which can harm not just the grass but the entire lawn ecosystem.
2. Destruction of Turfgrass
Turfgrass is especially vulnerable to Crickets. They create tunnels in the soil as they burrow, disrupting the roots and causing sections of grass to die. If you’re a business owner with a well-maintained lawn, like a golf course or a sports field, this damage can be both unsightly and costly to fix.
3. Attraction of Other Pests
Crickets can attract other pests, like rodents and ants, to your property. As crickets burrow and feed, they may inadvertently create conditions that are perfect for other pests to move in. This can lead to bigger pest problems and even more damage to your property.
4. Risk of Structural Damage
Crickets don’t just cause problems for your lawn—they can also pose a risk to the structure of your property. Their burrowing can weaken the ground, leading to potential damage to patios, foundations, and other parts of your property. If left untreated, this could become a significant issue.
The picture above shows dead patches caused by mole crickets
The Life Cycle of Crickets
Understanding the life cycle of crickets is key to controlling them. These pests typically go through several stages:
- Eggs: In late spring to early summer, female crickets lay eggs in the soil. The Tawny mole cricket and southern mole cricket are both known to lay eggs in moist soil.
- Nymphs: After about two weeks, the eggs hatch, and cricket nymphs begin to develop. These young mole crickets look like adults but are smaller and less developed.
- Adults: As they mature, the adult crickets become most active in the summer months, when they begin to mate and lay eggs. The cycle then repeats itself, increasing the mole cricket populations.
Their life cycle includes burrowing into the soil surface, feeding on grass roots, and laying eggs that hatch into new nymphs. If left unchecked, crickets can reproduce quickly and take over large areas of your home lawn or commercial property.
Signs of Cricket Infestation
How can you tell if crickets are taking over your lawn? Look out for these signs:
1. Brown or Dying Grass
One of the first signs of a mole cricket infestation is brown or dead patches of grass. Since crickets feed on the roots, your grass won’t be able to get the nutrients it needs, causing it to die off.
2. Raised Mounds and Tunnels
As crickets dig and feed, they create tunnels just beneath the surface of your lawn. These tunnels often cause raised mounds of soil, which can be easily spotted. If you notice these mounds in your lawn, mole crickets might be the cause.
3. Noises at Night
Mole crickets are most active at night, and during mating season, you may hear a rhythmic drumming or chirping sound coming from your lawn. While this may not be an immediate cause for concern, it’s a good indicator that mole crickets are nearby.
4. Sightings of Mole Crickets
If you happen to see the insects themselves, especially at night when they’re most active, it’s a clear sign of an infestation. Mole crickets are typically 1 to 2 inches long and have a brownish or grayish color.
The Risks of Ignoring Mole Crickets
Ignoring a mole cricket infestation can lead to more than just an unsightly lawn. Here’s why it’s important to address the issue quickly:
1. Unhealthy Lawn and Decreased Curb Appeal
A lawn filled with brown patches and dead grass isn’t just unattractive—it can be embarrassing, especially if you’re hosting guests or clients. Keeping your lawn healthy is essential for both homeowners and business owners who want to maintain their property’s curb appeal.
2. Higher Repair Costs
If mole crickets are left unchecked, they can cause extensive damage to your lawn, turf, and plants. Repairing this damage can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s much cheaper and easier to prevent an infestation than to fix the damage after it’s too late.
3. Attraction of Other Pests
As mentioned earlier, mole crickets can attract other pests, like rodents and ants. These pests can add to the problems you’re already dealing with, leading to even more time and money spent on pest control.
How Rodent Solutions Can Help
At Rodent Solutions, we specialize in pest control and exclusion for both homes and businesses in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and surrounding areas. If you’re dealing with mole crickets, we’re here to help. Here’s how we can assist you:
1. Comprehensive Inspection and Assessment
We start by inspecting your lawn and property to identify any mole cricket activity. Our experts will look for signs of burrowing, damage to your lawn, and any visible mole crickets. We’ll assess the level of infestation and recommend the best treatment plan.
2. Targeted Treatment Options
Once we’ve identified the problem, we’ll implement effective, targeted treatments to eliminate mole crickets. Our treatments are safe for your family and pets while being tough on pests. We use environmentally-friendly methods to restore your lawn and garden.
3. Ongoing Prevention
Mole crickets can return if not properly managed. That’s why we offer ongoing prevention and maintenance services to keep your property free from future infestations. With our proactive approach, we’ll make sure your lawn stays healthy and pest-free.
4. Commercial Pest Control Services
For businesses with large lawns, gardens, or turf areas, mole crickets can be especially damaging. We offer specialized commercial pest control services to protect your business’s reputation and keep your outdoor spaces looking pristine.
Why Choose Rodent Solutions?
At Rodent Solutions, we’re not just pest control experts—we’re problem-solvers. Our team has extensive experience handling all types of pests, including mole crickets. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Experienced Technicians: Our team is trained to identify and treat mole cricket infestations quickly and effectively.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer both residential and commercial pest control solutions tailored to your specific needs.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy, we’ll make it right.
- Locally Owned: As a locally owned business, we understand the unique pest problems faced by homeowners and businesses in Florida.
Contact Us for Mole Cricket Control
If you’re dealing with mole crickets on your property, don’t wait until the damage is done. Contact Rodent Solutions today to schedule an inspection. We offer fast, effective mole cricket control and prevention services for homes and businesses in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and surrounding areas.
Call us now at (941)704-0063 or fill out our contact form to get started. Our team is ready to help you get rid of mole crickets and protect your lawn!
FAQs About Mole Crickets
What attracts mole crickets to my property?
Mole crickets are attracted to areas with moist, soft soil and abundant food sources, like healthy grass and garden plants. Keeping your lawn well-maintained can help prevent an infestation.
How do I know if I have a mole cricket infestation?
Look for signs like brown patches in your lawn, raised mounds of soil, or nighttime chirping sounds. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection can confirm the presence of mole crickets.
Can mole crickets cause long-term damage to my lawn?
Yes, mole crickets can cause significant damage by feeding on plant roots and disrupting the soil. If left untreated, they can kill large sections of your lawn and garden.
What are the best ways to get rid of mole crickets?
The best way to get rid of mole crickets is by calling a pest control expert. Rodent Solutions uses safe, effective treatments to eliminate mole crickets and restore your lawn.
Is mole cricket treatment safe for pets and children?
Yes! Our treatments are designed to be safe for your family and pets while effectively controlling pests like mole crickets.