Latin name: Gryllotalpa spp. (Mole Cricket) / Cylindraustralia kochii and related species (Sandgropers)
Sandgropers and mole crickets are destructive soil-dwelling pests that attack lawns, sports fields, golf courses and gardens throughout Australia. While sandgropers are native insects found primarily in Western Australia, mole crickets occur across many parts of Australia. Both pests tunnel beneath the soil surface, feeding on roots, stems and organic matter, disrupting turf and causing extensive damage.
Their tunnelling loosens the soil, severs turf roots and creates raised ridges, resulting in thinning, dead patches and unstable playing surfaces. Activity is greatest during the warmer months, particularly in spring and summer.
Lifecycle
Sandgropers and mole crickets undergo incomplete metamorphosis.
- Females lay eggs in underground chambers.
- Eggs hatch into wingless nymphs.
- Nymphs feed below the soil while moulting through several stages.
- Adults continue feeding and burrowing before reproducing.
Most damage occurs from feeding nymphs and adults beneath the soil surface.
Identification
- Adults measure 30–60 mm long.
- Cylindrical brown body adapted for underground life.
- Large, spade-like front legs designed for digging.
- Mole crickets have wings; sandgropers are wingless.
- Extensive tunnels and raised soil ridges are often the first sign of activity.
- Most active at night and remain underground during the day.
Damage
- Tunnelling lifts and loosens turf.
- Roots severed, causing yellowing and dead patches.
- Seedlings and young plants may wilt or collapse.
- Uneven playing surfaces on sports fields and golf courses.
- Birds may dig into turf searching for insects.
SOLUTIONS
In lawns, sports fields and golf courses showing tunnelling: Apply ProForce Rumbler 1000SC and water in thoroughly to target insects beneath the soil surface.
At the first signs of fresh tunnels or raised soil: Apply Apparent Surround to actively infested areas before damage becomes widespread.
On high-value turf with recurring infestations: Rotate ProForce Scarlet Trio with ProForce Rumbler 1000SC as part of an integrated pest management program.
Where damage is severe: Irrigate before treatment to encourage insects closer to the soil surface, then apply the appropriate insecticide according to the product label for improved efficacy.
References
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/insects/sandgropers
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/turf-management/sandgropers-lawns
https://stratagreen.com.au/products/proforce-rumbler-1000sc-insecticide
https://stratagreen.com.au/products/apparent-surround-insecticide
