Crickets

What do house crickets look like?

When describing the appearance of house crickets, we need first to point out the difference between house crickets and camel crickets. Searching for information about crickets online may get misleading information if you don’t know the difference. 

• Both crickets have six legs and spring through the air using their larger back legs.
• House crickets have only a mild arc to their bodies. Camel crickets have rounded “hump-like” backs, so they are called camel crickets or humpback crickets.
• House crickets have two short pairs of legs in the front that do not noticeably rise above the body—unlike the front legs of a camel cricket. The uniformly high leg joints of camel crickets make them look like spiders. This is why they are sometimes called spider crickets—or sprickets. You’re not likely to mistake a house cricket for a spider.
  

House crickets are ¾ to ⅞ of an inch in length. They have a yellowish-brown coloration with three brown cross bands on the head. On the head are two antennae, and on the end are three appendages: two cerci and one ovipositor in the center.

What do house crickets eat?

House crickets feed on insects, decaying leaves, fungi, algae, fruits, vegetables, and more. When they get inside homes, they feed primarily on starchy items. Here are some to consider:

• Food debris on floors, counters, and shelves
• Oil or grease on the sides of an oven
• Sugar granules and other particles in pantries
• Honey stuck to the sides of a jar
• Cereal, rice, pasta, flour, and grains
• Potato peels and onion skins
• Dried fruits
• Seeds and nuts
• Pet food, including birdseed
• Cotton and other natural fibers in clothing
• Fabrics on furniture
• Cardboard boxes and the adhesives that hold them together
• Wallpaper and wallpaper paste
• Books and bindings
• Dead insects
• Shed insect skins
• And more
  

As you might imagine, there is little chance of starving house crickets and driving them out of your home.  

Are house crickets harmful?

House crickets damage interior belongings when they feed on them. But they do not pose a direct threat to humans. They are not known to bite people, though they can do so. The primary issue with these pests is that they make noises that keep people up at night. In some cases, they may cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

Why do I have house crickets in my house?

Crickets can find their way inside through small cracks in walls, gaps around doors and windows, or poorly sealed utility openings.

Once indoors, they seek out moist areas like kitchens or bathrooms. They may also be attracted to cluttered spaces, where they can hide during the day and come out at night to forage. 

If you have house crickets in your home, it’s a sign that they’ve found a way inside and that conditions like moisture or food sources are conducive to their survival. Sealing entry points, reducing clutter, and addressing moisture issues can help keep crickets out of your house.

Why are crickets more active at night?

There are a few reasons why house crickets prefer nighttime activity.

• Predators: Many animals that eat them are active during the day.
• Temperatures: It is generally cooler at night. While crickets like warmth, extremely hot days are undesirable.
• Humidity: They gravitate to areas where damp or humid conditions create plant decay, which is more prevalent when moisture sits overnight.
• Quiet: Noise levels drop at night, making it easier for chirping males to attract females. 
• Senses: Crickets have eyes that function well in low-light conditions and other senses that help them detect vibrations. Nighttime activity is not a problem.  
  

Can house crickets attract other pests?

House crickets can be food for other pests, such as spiders and rodents. If you have house crickets, your home will attract these other pests. However, the most important factor is that the attractants that lure house crickets to your home also attract other pests. It is critical to consider the overarching conditions that attract them all. 

How do I get rid of house crickets?

If you have a house cricket problem, contact Termio Pest Control for assistance. Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers effective pest control services in Phoenix and surrounding areas that target these and other common household pests. 

How can I prevent a house cricket infestation? 

To keep house crickets and other pests out, try implementing these pest prevention tips: 

• Remove entry points by applying caulking, expanding foam, and other pest-proofing materials.
• Make sure your weather-proofing is in good working condition.
• Remove leaves, sticks, and other organic material near your exterior.
• Address moisture problems, such as poor irrigation.
• Remove debris piles near your home, which provide a hiding place from the sun.
• Trim landscape vegetation to reduce hiding places and humidity.
• Trim the grass, particularly near your exterior.
• Keep trash covered.
• Reduce exterior light to reduce light as an attractant.
• Keep the interior of your home clean to reduce food options.
• Keep stored foods in airtight containers.
• Put pet food down during meals only.