There are several types of crickets in the United States. Most are pests in and around the home. Most people know field and house crickets. Field crickets are dark to black in color. House crickets look the same but are much lighter. They are normally tan to light brown. Either species will live in and around the home. Both develop the same way. Adult females can lay several hundred eggs. These hatch and the young develop through a series of instars before it fully matures. However, young can do just about everything adults can. It takes a year for a generation to fully develop. Since one female can lay hundreds of eggs, initial activity is usually not noticed. Once eggs hatch and migrate around a home, populations will quickly grow. In the spring, expect to see small crickets. As the summer goes by, these will grow larger and larger. By fall, adults will be foraging into structures looking for a warm place to spend the winter months.
Crickets feed on just about anything. This includes dead insects, live insects, silk, wool, man-made fabric, paper, wood, and just about anything we eat. Crickets can make the most from a compost pile and |
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will readily nest anywhere garbage accumulates. You can also expect to have them nesting around moist areas where water accumulates or where mold and algae may be growing.
Crickets are a pest for several reasons. First, they can destroy wallpaper. Crickets love to eat the glue which holds wallpaper onto walls. If they have their way, they will continue to feed in this area eventually consuming the wallpaper itself. This usually allows access to furniture, drapes, rugs and clothing. In fact, crickets are just as likely to be a pest in closets as moths or carpet beetles. In addition to the damage crickets do, they can also make a lot of noise.
Crickets living in areas behind the home or in the distance provide a natural sound of nature which people like. Once these same crickets move into your home, this singing immediately becomes unbearable. Expect it to be loud, continuous and to occur at night. Crickets are nocturnal and do their feeding and singing when it is dark outside. |