Crickets

Identification

• 1/2 - 1 1/8 inches long
• light brown to black, sometimes green
• long threadlike antennae that are longer than their body
• long “stingerlike” appendage coming out the rear of their body (females)
• make a chirping noise

Nesting Habits

• overwinter as eggs in soil
• found in moist areas such as mulch beds, woodpiles, weeds, stone piles, etc.

Diet

• agricultural grain crops and vegetables
• fabrics, synthetics or leather and fur, especially when soiled with human perspiration

Significance

• can cause damage to fabrics
• typically a minor nuisance pest in or around buildings

IPM Recommendations

• Find and eliminate harborage outdoors such as weedy ornamental beds, wood piles, rock piles and moist, secluded areas.
• Seal cracks around the outside foundation wall.
• Install tight-fitting door sweeps at the base of all exterior doors.
• Vacuum crickets that enter buildings.