Crickets: Quick Facts

True crickets are insects belonging to the family Gryllidae.
There are over 900 cricket species known to exist, but the most common types found in North America are field crickets, Mormon crickets, and house crickets. Among these species, house crickets (Acheta domesticus) are the most common pests.

House crickets can be easily be identified by their light brown coloration and three dark bands across their heads. House crickets are about 0.75 inches in length and have long antennae, large back legs, and wings folded at their sides. Nymphs are wingless but look similar to adults in all other respects.

House crickets are found in most climates, but they prefer warm, moist environments. They are omnivorous and not predatory, feeding mostly on plant matter, dead insects, and food scraps. Nearly all male crickets chirp to attract mates. Once mates are located, crickets are prolific breeders, creating hundreds of offspring and new generations every several weeks. If a single mating pair enters your property, you can have a large-scale infestation on your hands before you know it.

Causes of Cricket Infestations

Crickets typically enter indoor properties in search of food and shelter. Our homes and businesses are attractive to crickets since they are typically warmer than the outdoors, and often filled with accessible food. Outside, crickets gravitate towards moist, warm conditions with a ready supply of food. A cricket infestation in your yard can lead to massive devastation for plants and other organic matter, which can quickly be consumed by swelling cricket populations.Indoors, crickets are drawn fabrics like silk, wool, cotton, and leather — especially those stained with food or sweat — as these pose excellent sources of food. These materials also provide perfect places for crickets to lay their eggs. Routinely inspecting, vacuuming, and deep cleaning fabric materials in your property can help prevent the presence of crickets.