Crickets are extremely varied in their habitats and distribution. Two commmon species that are most likely to become household nuisance pests are the house cricket and the field cricket.

The house cricket was introduced from Europe and is about 3/4 inch in length, light brown to yellowish in color with three darker bands behind the head. It completes its entire lifecycle indoors and is often active year-round.

Field crickets have dark brown or black, 1-inch long, robust bodies. They normally reside outdoors but will often invade homes in the fall when their natural food supply is depleted. Fortunately, field crickets cannot adapt to indoor conditions and will generally die off before mid-winter. Outdoors, the adult crickets may be present until the first heavy frost.

All crickets deposit their eggs singly; the house cricket in indoor cracks and crevices, the field cricket in soil or debris. Field crickets pass the winter in the egg stage. In the spring, the immature crickets (nymphs) hatch from the eggs and begin to feed. They will molt 5 to 9 times before maturing. The actual rate of growth and development is regulated by the temperature and availability of food. The house cricket generally completes its lifecycle in 38 to 45 weeks; the field cricket in 9 to 15 weeks.

Field crickets are prevalent in areas near refuse piles and other areas of moisture. House crickets like warmth and are often associated with fireplaces, furnaces, and the like. Crickets are nocturnal and will migrate to light.

Their food consists primarily of soft plant material, although they will feed on some animal materials. In the home, they often feed on stored products, especially soiled fabrics. Cotton, rayon, linen, wool, silk, and furs are particularly susceptible, and they shred the fabric rather than consuming it entirely.

Crickets are well known for their singing (chirping). Virtually all of the singing is done by the males. There are special songs for fighting, sounding an alarm, and courtship. The sound is produced by stroking a tooth-like "file" and a ridge-like "scraper" on the wings against each other. The sound is amplified by the wing surfaces. The number of chirps produced by a given individual varies with the temperature, being faster at higher temperatures.

Crickets only rarely warrant chemical controls as they frequently fall prey to birds and spiders. Sanitation is of paramount importance in cricket control; all areas in and around buildings must be kept free of debris and moisture. It is also important to see that all screens, windows, and door close tightly.

Caulk or otherwise seal all cracks and crevices, especially those at or near ground level. Seedlings and transplants in the yard can be protected by covering them with cheesecloth or netting.

Courtesy MSU Extension