How to Kill Molecrickets, Mole Crickets

Infestations of molecrickets in lawns throughout the southern United States are increasing year by year. These pests will devastate your turf grass if not eliminated at first sign of infestation or if preventative programs are not put in place. Choose the correct insecticide for the job and time your insecticide application for best results.

The two most popular products used for killing molecrickets in lawns are Talstar and Acephate. Talstar is available in liquid concentrate and granules. Acephate is a soluble powder that is applied through your hose end sprayer, in the same manner as Talstar Concentrate is applied.

The first mistake most people make in molecricket elimination is in the choice of pesticide used. Diazinon, Dursban and Oftanol no longer give the control needed, as they did when molecrickets first appeared as a lawn pest. Acephate and Talstar are the best to use, Talstar Granules are the most popular with professionals and those who choose do-it-yourself pest control.

The next mistake (and probably the worst of them all) is timing of pesticide application. Most people attempt to kill molecrickets when they first appear. These first sightings are in late winter or early spring (depending on your location) and all insects seen are in their adult stage. An adult mole cricket is very difficult to kill and trying to do so is not only a waste of your time and money but is also ignoring the most destructive stage of the pest: the nymphal stage. The adult molecrickets seen first in the season will tunnel through the surface of soil (leaving their distinctive narrow tunnels) and show themselves by landing on sidewalks, porches, driveways and swimming pools. These adults are attracted at first by light (from street lamps, porch lights, sports fields, etc.) where they fly in to infest manicured turf grasses and lawns. They then lay their eggs in pockets beneath the soil.
Forget trying to kill these adult molecrickets! You must time your pesticide application to kill the young or molecricket nymphs. The nymphal stage is the one that devours your lawn - and they are the easiest to kill if treated properly.
Each area of the country will have a certain time for proper treatment. Refer to our Molecricket Pesticide Application page. Apply your product too soon and you will miss your window of opportunity. Apply too late and you will have the joy of buying and laying down new sod.

Molecrickets Lawn Pests Talstar Acephate Pest Control

Mole Cricket Treatment