Crickets are a familiar sound of summer, but their presence often raises concerns about lawn health. Whether these insects are detrimental to turf depends entirely on the specific species involved. While most crickets are harmless noise-makers, one particular type is a highly destructive turf pest. Understanding this difference is the first step in assessing any potential threat to your lawn.
Identifying the Lawn Threat
Homeowners commonly encounter three main types of crickets, but only one poses a serious threat to established turf. House Crickets are light brown or yellowish, often found near structures, and known for persistent chirping. Field Crickets are darker, ranging from black to dark brown, and are the most frequent noisemakers. Both species are nuisance pests that do not feed on healthy grass roots.
The Mole Cricket is the primary lawn enemy. This pest is easily identified by its unique, shovel-like front legs, which are adapted for digging through soil. Mole Crickets are typically grayish-brown or tan and spend nearly their entire lives underground. They cause the most noticeable and costly destruction to turfgrass, often remaining undetected until damage is severe.
How Cricket Species Damage Turf
Damage occurs primarily through two distinct mechanisms executed by the Mole Cricket. First, their powerful forelegs create extensive tunneling systems just beneath the soil surface. This burrowing action physically severs grass roots from the soil, causing the turf to lift and feel spongy underfoot. This mechanical disruption prevents the grass from absorbing water and nutrients, leading to wilting and death.
The second form of destruction comes from their feeding habits; certain species, like the Tawny Mole Cricket, feed directly on the grass roots and shoots. This combination of physical uprooting and direct consumption results in large, irregular brown patches that expand rapidly, especially in warm-season grasses. Field and House Crickets cause minimal damage, typically limited to chewing on decaying organic matter or new seedlings.
When Crickets Become an Indoor Nuisance
While Mole Crickets focus efforts underground, Field and House Crickets are responsible for indoor complaints. They are attracted to structures by light, warmth, and moisture, often invading homes in the fall. The most common complaint is the persistent, loud chirping produced by males attempting to attract mates. This noise can be disruptive, especially at night.
These nuisance crickets can also cause minor property damage inside a home. They have been known to chew on various materials, including natural fabrics like cotton and silk, paper goods, and stored cardboard boxes. A large indoor population can also create secondary issues, such as attracting other household pests like spiders and rodents that prey on them.
Practical Steps for Management
Effective cricket management requires distinguishing the species and using targeted control methods.
Managing Nuisance Crickets
For nuisance species like Field and House Crickets, cultural controls focused on exclusion are highly effective. Reducing outdoor lighting near entry points, or switching to yellow “bug lights,” can deter them. Sealing cracks in the foundation, doors, and windows prevents entry. Removing debris or wood piles near the house also eliminates their daytime hiding spots.
Managing Mole Crickets
For Mole Crickets, aggressive and well-timed control is necessary. Homeowners can confirm an infestation using a soapy water flush, which forces the insects to the surface. The most effective control timing is in early summer (June and July), when the crickets are small, vulnerable nymphs. Applying insecticides or baits at this time targets the population before they mature and cause severe late-summer damage.