Crickets

What are crickets?

Crickets are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of food and non-food sources. Crickets are most commonly found living outdoors, but may accidentally find their way inside homes and other buildings. These insects are mainly active at night. Crickets are known for their distinct "chirping" sounds that some species, but not all, create. They can also be identified by their large, powerful, back legs and long antennae.

Two species of crickets that are commonly found in northern New Jersey are field crickets and camel crickets.

Camelback crickets
Camelback (or cave) crickets do not produce a chirping sound. Camelback crickets have a distinct "humped" appearance and large, powerful back legs. Adults grow to between 1/2 and 1 ½ inches in length. They are light brown to dark brown in color and may be mottled and have dark banding on their bodies or legs.

Field crickets
Field crickets are usually black, brown, or "straw" in color and have stout bodies. They have large back legs and are powerful jumpers. Adults' wings lay flat against their back and are bent downward on their sides. Despite being winged, not all field crickets are capable of flight. Field crickets use their wings to create their distinct "chirping" sound - males make the loudest and most noticeable sounds.

Are crickets dangerous?

Crickets are typically not considered dangerous pests. They are nuisance pests and cause no major damage to property or people. Crickets are, however, difficult pests to deal with. When crickets find their way inside homes, they hide in dark, out-of-the-way places, making finding and eliminating them a tricky task. Field crickets and their constant chirping can make them even more of a headache to deal with. In addition, crickets can cause damage to fabric items by chewing holes through them. Curtains, upholstered furniture, clothing, wallpaper, and some indoor plants may be damaged by crickets.

Why do I have a cricket problem?

Crickets prefer to live outside, but they do move inside to take advantage of homes' temperature-controlled environments. This is especially true in the late fall months. They may also find their way inside while foraging for food. Crickets enter homes through cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, through gaps around windows and doors, through open doors and torn screens, and through spaces around utilities and vents.

Where will I find crickets?

Crickets live in a variety of places. Outside, they hide out during the day underneath stones, woodpiles, landscaping ties, mulch, fallen trees, and rotting logs. Inside homes, crickets typically inhabit basement areas, bathrooms, crawlspaces, closets, storage rooms, storage boxes, and laundry rooms.

How do I get rid of crickets?

The best way to solve your northern New Jersey property’s cricket problem is to partner with a local pest control company. When you partner with Heritage Pest Control, our reliable and friendly professionals will be at your professionals will be at your residential or commercial property within 24 hours to assess the infestation and recommend treatment. We are proud to provide all of our customers with reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly pest solutions. To learn more about our cricket control services, contact us at Heritage Pest Control!