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What are House Crickets?
House crickets get their common name from the fact that they often enter houses where they can survive indefinitely. This cricket species was introduced from Europe and is now found throughout the United States but primarily east of the Rocky Mountains.
Interestingly, they are known for their loud chirping which is caused when males rub their front wings together to attract females.
Pest Stats
- Color: Yellowish brown with 3 dark cross bands on head
- Legs: 6
- Shape: Long, winged
- Size: 3/4 – 7/8” (16-22 mm)
- Antennae: Yes
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What Do House Crickets Look Like?
Adult house crickets are light yellowish brown in color with three dark crossbands on their head. They are about 3/4 – 7/8 inch in length and have a threadlike-antennae that is often longer than its body, and wings that lie flat on its back. Nymphs are wingless but otherwise look similar to adults.
Signs of an Infestation
The most obvious sign of a house cricket infestation is the presence of crickets in the home. They are drawn to warm, moist environments within structures like crawl spaces. Chewed fabric is also a sign of a house cricket infestation. Mandible marks along chewed edges are often visible with magnification. These marks are much less than 1 mm wide.
House Crickets Prevention
How To Get Rid Of House Crickets
Removal of crickets and their eggs with a vacuum works well in getting rid of house crickets. The most effective way to get rid of crickets and prevent future infestations is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home and within the crawl space. Mow the lawn, weed plant beds and move woodpiles away from the structure. Provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces, basements, etc. Consider changing outdoor lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lamps. It is also important to seal possible points of entry for house crickets around the house, including window and door frames and holes in masonry.
What Do House Crickets Eat?
Outside, house crickets feed on plants and dead or live insects, including other crickets. Indoors, they can feast on fabric, including clothing and carpet. Wool, cotton, silk and synthetic fabrics, as well as clothes soiled with perspiration, are especially attractive to house crickets.
House Crickets Education
Habitat
During warm weather, these crickets typically live outdoors and are especially fond of garbage dumps. They are often attracted to electric lights in larger numbers, sometimes by the thousands, and rest on vertical surfaces such as light poles and house walls. However, when cold weather approaches, they seek shelter in houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.
Threats
House crickets don’t post a health risk to humans, but can cause damage to property, specifically clothing, carpets and areas covered in fabric. Favorite fabrics include wool, cotton, silk and synthetics. As crickets typically surface feed, they leave the area roughened from pulling the fibers loose while eating. In the case of a heavy infestation, large areas of fabric may be eaten out. PMi’s certified pest control specialists can help out with treatment and prevention of crickets.
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