Crickets
Crickets are extremely varied in their habitat and
distribution. Two common species which are most likely to
become household nuisance pests are the house cricket
and the field cricket.
The house cricket was introduced from Europe and is
about 3/4" in length, light brown to yellowish in color
with three darker bands behind the head. It completes its
entire life cycle indoors and is often active year round.
Field crickets have dark brown or black, 1" long,
robust bodies. They normally reside outdoors, but will
often invade homes in the fall when their natural food
supply is depleted. Fortunately, field crickets cannot
adapt to indoor conditions and will generally die off
before mid-winter. Outdoors, the adult crickets may be
present until the first heavy frost.
All crickets deposit their eggs singly; the house
cricket in indoor cracks and crevices, the field cricket
in soil or debris. The field crickets pass the winter in
the egg stage. In the spring the immature crickets
(nymphs) hatch from the eggs and begin to feed. They will
molt 5-9 times before maturing. The actual rate of growth
and development is regulated by the temperature and
availability of food. The house cricket generally
completes its life cycle in 38-45 weeks; the field
cricket in 9-15 weeks.
Field crickets are prevalent in areas near refuse
piles and other areas of moisture. House crickets like
warmth and are often associated with fireplaces, furnaces
and the like. Crickets are nocturnal and will migrate to
lights. Their food consists primarily of soft plant
material, although they will feed on some animal
materials. In the home they often feed on stored
products, especially soiled fabrics. Cotton, rayon,
linen, wool, silk and furs are particularly susceptible,
and they shred the fabric rather than consuming it
entirely.
Crickets are well known for their singing (chirping).
Virtually all of the singing is done by the males. There
are special songs for fighting, sounding an alarm, and
courtship. The sound is produced by stroking a tooth-like
"file" and a ridge-like "scraper" on the wings against
each other. The sound is amplified by the wing surfaces.
The number of chirps produced by a given individual
varies with the temperature, being faster at higher
temperatures.
Crickets only rarely warrant chemical controls, as
they frequently fall prey to birds and spiders.
Sanitation is of paramount importance in cricket control;
all areas in and around buildings must be kept free of
debris and moisture. It is also important to see that all
screens, windows and door close tightly. Caulk or
otherwise seal all cracks and crevices, especially those
at or near ground level. Seedlings and transplants in
flower beds and gardens can be protected by covering them
with cheesecloth or netting.
For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.