Crickets subsist on a wide range of food sources. As generalist omnivores, they are opportunistic feeders deriving nourishment wherever on whatever is available including plant, dead organic plant and animal matter, algal, fungal and bacterial sources.
The mere presence of crickets can be annoying. In addition, while the chirping of male insects may be considered beautiful music-in-the-night out-of-doors, indoors it may be regarded as noisy and disruptive. Although not bona fide fabric pests, being what they are (insects with chewing mouthparts) and doing what many insects do (test/taste-their-surroundings
The crickets which enter homes will likely be “field crickets.” Mature field crickets approach an inch in length. The female, is easily identifiable by the presence of her prominent ovipositor measuring another ¾-inch. Most field crickets are all black in color, but some may have a lighter appearance due to their coppery colored wings.
Field crickets overwinter as eggs deposited in the soil. Currently, field crickets are now in their mid-development stages, and for the most part, go unnoticed. By the time cooler fall weather moves in, field crickets will have reached their adult stages. Before and after mating and depositing eggs, crickets move toward sources of heat such as homes and buildings whose exteriors “soak up” the sunlight. Crickets are capable of detecting heat gradients and thus are drawn in. Once on-the-doorstep, they are a hop away from secretly moving in through any available opening.
How does one go about attempting to prevent cricket “visitors” in homes and possibly business establishments? When cricket populations are large and there is the likelihood of impending invasions, reduction of their numbers may be achieved with insecticide applications as barrier treatments applied to a 6- to12-foot band around the perimeters of homes and businesses.
Once inside, insecticides registered for indoor use against crickets or (in general) indoor invasive species can be applied per labeled instructions. Indoor applications may be general surface, spot, mist or crack and crevice treatments.
Perhaps a more successful approach for preventing cricket “guests” is to exclude them! Again, as previously mentioned, crickets gain entrance via any available crack/crevice/hole/gap. Thus, sealing these portals of entry is a recommended method of exclusion. Attempt to insect-proof houses and buildings by thoroughly inspecting and identifying entry points. Check for cracks and gaps in structure foundations, ill-fitting doorways and garage doors, overhang louvers, chimney vents, roof ducts, soffits, air conditioner connections, outdoor faucets and siding. Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices, weather stripping to make doorways and garage doors tightfitting, and metal screening over/under/behind other entry points. Such simple words. Yet, in all practicality when looking at my home (which I consider sound-and-sealed), I know that there are still remaining untended access points. I expect that like many other people, I will have “fall visitors.” Sort of a fact-of-life that one must accept. (Bob Bauernfeind)
