The sound of chirping crickets might be calming when you're enjoying a summer evening outside. But what happens when these tiny musicians invade your living space, bringing their concert indoors?
Not only are they a noisy bunch, but they can also be a significant home menace.
However, fret not! By identifying the different types of crickets and understanding their behaviors, you're already halfway to a solution.
Dive deep into this guide and learn how, with Remedy, DIY Pest Control.
House Crickets
House crickets are the little musicians we often hear chirping at night. Their light brown bodies and unique songs have become a familiar presence in many of our homes.
Appearance
House crickets are distinguishable creatures with their light brown hue. What makes them stand out are the three pronounced dark bands that stretch across their heads.
Adult house crickets range in size, measuring between 3/4 to 7/8 inches. Their slender bodies and long antennas make them recognizable, especially compared to other cricket species.
Habitat
Known for their adaptability, house crickets are notorious for seeking shelter indoors. They thrive outdoors during warm and temperate conditions.
They are quick to migrate inside homes as soon as the weather worsens. Their preferred hiding spots indoors include basements, crawl spaces, and any nook or cranny that offers warmth and darkness. This makes them somewhat of a common uninvited guest in many households.
Behavior
One of the most defining traits of house crickets is their singing or chirping. Mostly, it's the males that serenade, especially during the night.
They produce this signature sound by rubbing their wings together. This chirping isn't just random noise. It's a form of communication.
They chirp to attract females, establish territory, or warn other males. For many, the sound of a house cricket's song is synonymous with warm summer nights. But it might be less than charming in your living room.
Field Crickets
Field crickets are the dark, strong jumpers you might spot in grassy areas. Their loud chirping, especially during the evenings, tells us they're out there, searching for a mate.
Appearance
Field crickets contrast their house cricket counterparts with their dark hues of black or brown. They are larger than house crickets.
Their strong, powerful hind legs are for jumping. Their glossy, dark exoskeletons give them a striking presence in their natural habitats.
Habitat
True to their name, field crickets are predominantly outdoor creatures. They thrive in natural landscapes such as fields, gardens, and grassy areas.
These crickets love to burrow, creating intricate tunnels in soft soil where they can hide and lay their eggs. They have a pronounced affinity for the outdoors.
However, field crickets will seek shelter indoors, especially when faced with harsh weather conditions or in pursuit of moisture. Basements, garages, or damp areas in homes can become a refuge for these critters.
Behavior
When it comes to vocal prowess, field crickets stand out. Their chirping is noticeably louder, more resonant, and can carry over great distances.
This amplified chirp is not just for show; it plays a vital role in their mating rituals. Male field crickets chirp fervently to woo potential female mates. This chirping signals their presence and vitality.
The intensity and frequency of their chirps can indicate their health, age, and genetic fitness. When you hear a loud, persistent chirp in the wild, there's a good chance it's a field cricket calling out in hopes of finding a partner.
Camel Crickets
Camel crickets are odd-looking bugs with humped backs. They remind us of desert animals. Even though they have cricket in their name, you'd be surprised to learn they don't chirp!
Appearance
Camel crickets are distinctive in the insect world. Their name gives a hint as to why.
Their body is primarily tinted in shades of brown with a unique humped back. They bear a quirky resemblance to desert-dwelling camels. This curvature, combined with their long, spider-like legs, gives them an appearance that's both fascinating and, to some, a bit eerie.
Their large hind legs are adapted for jumping. This makes them agile jumpers. They often surprise any unsuspecting individual who stumbles upon them.
Habitat
Camel crickets have a pronounced preference for cool, damp environments. Unlike many of their chirping relatives that might prefer fields or gardens, these crickets are often found in the quieter, moister parts of homes.
Basements, cellars, crawl spaces, or even sheds are prime real estate for them. Their love for dampness also means they can sometimes be found in bathrooms or laundry rooms, where the environment is humid.
Behavior
Among the many cricket species, camel crickets stand out for one odd reason: they don't chirp. Camel crickets remain silent.
This lack of chirping can be both a blessing and a curse for homeowners. On one hand, there are no annoying nocturnal concerts, but on the other, their silent nature means an infestation can go unnoticed for longer.
Their quiet behavior and proclivity for dark and damp spaces often result in surprise encounters with homeowners.
Jerusalem Crickets
Jerusalem crickets are mysterious bugs that might remind you of a storybook creature because of their human-like faces. Even though they're called crickets, they don't belong to the cricket family we're familiar with!
Appearance
Despite their name, Jerusalem crickets are not true crickets. Their appearance is captivating and, for some, a bit unsettling.
These creatures boast a robust, stocky build, unlike the slender bodies of many crickets. Most striking is their head - large, round, and featuring prominent eyes. It can resemble a human face, lending them an almost mythical aura.
They can't fly because they don't have wings. But their strong, sturdy legs are well-suited for burrowing.
Habitat
Jerusalem crickets are subterranean creatures, favoring the safety and coolness of the underground.
You can find them beneath rocks, logs, or loose, sandy soil, where they can dig and create burrows. These natural hideouts provide them protection from predators and extreme weather conditions.
Their preference for life beneath the surface often leads to unexpected encounters when people are gardening or clearing rocks and debris.
Behavior
Jerusalem crickets communicate using a drumming sound produced by thumping their abdomen on the ground. This is a unique form of communication in the insect world.
However, one must approach them with caution. When threatened or cornered, they can exhibit aggressive behavior.
They possess strong mandibles that they use for feeding on organic matter. But they won't hesitate to employ them defensively.
Though they don't inject venom, a bite from a Jerusalem cricket can be pretty painful. Its bite serves as a strong deterrent for potential predators or curious humans.
Observing these fascinating creatures from a respectful distance is always a good idea.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are fascinating insects that love digging deep underground tunnels. With their powerful, shovel-like front legs, they're like the construction workers of the insect world!
Appearance
Mole crickets are unique creatures that differ from typical crickets in appearance. Equipped with powerful, shovel-like forelimbs, they're built for digging.
These limbs resemble those of a mole, hence the name. Their bodies are cylindrical, brown, or dark gray, allowing them to blend with the soil they often inhabit.
Their size can vary, but many adult mole crickets are about 1 to 1.5 inches long.
Habitat
True to their name and appearance, mole crickets are underground dwellers. They dig extensive tunnel systems beneath the soil's surface. These tunnels serve various purposes, from hunting grounds to mating chambers and nesting sites.
Because of their burrowing habits, mole crickets can often be found in gardens, lawns, and agricultural fields where the soil is soft and easily manipulated.
Behavior
Mole crickets are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. Their primary diet consists of insects, roots, and organic matter found in the soil.
Thanks to their powerful forelimbs, they can tunnel through the ground. They often cause visible damage to lawns and gardens as they uproot plants and disrupt the soil.
Their song, created by vibrating their wings, is quite distinct. Unlike the melodic chirping of some other crickets, mole crickets produce a deep, continuous trill that resonates through the ground. This song is primarily used to attract mates.
One interesting behavior to note is their ability to fly. Though they spend significant time underground, mature mole crickets have wings. They can fly considerable distances, especially during mating seasons.
Spotting the Signs of Crickets in Your Home
Understanding the signs of crickets can help you take action before they become a severe problem. Here are some telltale signs:
- Chirping
- Physical sightings
- Evidence of damage, such as nibble marks
Cricket Removal: Taking Matters into Your Own Hands
Have you identified a cricket problem? Consider these DIY methods.
- Seal entry points
- Reduce moisture
- Use sticky traps
Consider cricket extermination for getting rid of crickets if the problem goes beyond only a few pests.
Get Rid of Different Types of Crickets With Remedy, DIY Pest Control
Your home should be a sanctuary, not a stage for different types of crickets. With the proper knowledge and tools, you can ensure these critters remain where they belong: outside.
Remedy's DIY Pest Control brings professional-grade extermination techniques to your door. Contact us today for a free quote.
Let's keep your home cricket-free together! The best defense starts with the best tools.