Dirt mounds and tunnels are common in the landscape. In many cases, such as with Fire Ants, it is easy to find the mound-building culprits.
Fire Ants mounds can vary in size. Fire Ants attack intruders aggressively. I wasn't about to stick my finger in there, so my business card was sacrificed!
But what about mounds or tunnels created by more elusive creatures? In our area, the mounds or tunnels that elude most people are ones created by mole crickets, moles, and pocket gophers. Which one are you dealing with? Compare your mounds or tunnels with the pictures and information below:
Mole crickets are insect pests in Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Bahiagrass. They seldom damage St. Augustinegrass, although it is a possibility. Mole crickets management is most successful early in the season. Late spring into summer management is more difficult as mole crickets mature.
Mole cricket tunnel - note about as wide as my finger.
Moles are common in Central Florida landscapes. Despite any rumors that you may have heard, moles do not feed on grass. Moles may damage your lawn and landscape plants by their tunneling. Earthworms are moles' primary food source. We offer mole management services in situation where moles are truly problematic.
Mole tunnel / mound - note about as wide as my hand.
Pocket Gophers can wreak havoc in lawns and landscapes. They feed on both insects and vegetation. Pocket Gophers are best managed by trapping. Call us at (407)532-8188 for a referral.
Pocket gopher mound - note much larger than my hand.
Mounds may also be dug by ground-nesting bees. While these bees possess stingers, they are not aggressive. I personally have never heard of anyone getting stung by these bees. They are beneficial polinators and do not require management with insecticides. If you want to discourage these bees from nesting, try watering the area - the bees will often move somewhere else.
Mounds created by Ground Nesting Bees
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