House Crickets

Overview

House crickets get their common name from the fact that they often enter houses where they can survive indefinitely. This cricket species was introduced from Europe and is now found throughout the United States but primarily east of the Rocky Mountains.

Interestingly, they are known for their loud chirping which is caused when males rub their front wings together to attract females.

What House Crickets Look Like

Adult house crickets are light yellowish brown in color with three dark crossbands on their head. They are about 3/4 – 7/8 inch in length and have a threadlike antennae that is often longer than its body, and wings that lie flat on its back. Nymphs are wingless but otherwise look similar to adults.

Outside, house crickets feed on plants and dead or live insects, including other crickets. Indoors, they can feast on fabric, including clothing and carpet. Wool, cotton, silk and synthetic fabrics as well as clothes soiled with perspiration are especially attractive to house crickets.

House crickets typically live outdoors during the warmer seasons and are especially fond of garbage dumps. They are often attracted to electric lights in larger numbers, sometimes by the thousands, and rest on vertical surfaces such as light poles and house walls. However, when cold weather approaches, they will move indoors to houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.

House crickets are nocturnal or active at night and usually hide in dark warm places during the day. During warm weather months, house crickets typically live outdoors and are especially fond of garbage dumps. They are often attracted to electric lights in larger numbers, sometimes by the thousands, and rest on vertical surfaces such as light poles and house walls. However, when cold weather approaches, they seek shelter in houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.

Behavior & Habitat

House crickets typically live outdoors during the warmer seasons and are especially fond of garbage dumps. They are often attracted to electric lights in larger numbers, sometimes by the thousands, and rest on vertical surfaces such as light poles and house walls. However, when cold weather approaches, they will move indoors to houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.

Signs of an Infestation

The most obvious sign of a house cricket infestation is the presence of crickets in the home. They are drawn to warm, moist environments within structures. Another sign of a cricket infestation is the chirping noise the male house crickets often make, which is done when they rub their front wings together. This “calling song” serves to attract females and, since they’re nocturnal, often occurs at night. If homeowners hear this chirping, it could be a sign of a house cricket infestation. Chewed fabric is also a sign of a house cricket infestation. Mandible marks along chewed edges are often visible with magnification. These marks are much less than 1 mm wide.

Prevention & Control

The most effective way to get rid of crickets and prevent future infestations is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home. Mow the lawn, weed plant beds and move woodpiles away from the structure. Provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces, basements, etc. Consider changing outdoor lighting to less-attractive yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lamps. It is also important to seal possible points of entry for house crickets around the house, including window and door frames and holes in masonry. A vacuum can also be used to remove house crickets and their eggs.

If you suspect a house cricket infestation in your home, the best course of action is to contact a licensed pest control professional . They will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the problem. Once the situation is properly identified, the appropriate control measures can be taken.

You can find a certified pest professional near you with the helpful zip code search below.

You won't believe these fascinating facts about crickets, ladybugs, centipedes, earwigs, silverfish, millipedes and box elder bugs. When the seasons change, boxelder bugs become a nuisance as they invade in large numbers. Read to learn more about these bugs. Check out this guide to identify bugs like centipedes, millipedes, earwigs, crickets, pillbugs, silverfish and boxelder bugs. Identify Pests Pest Control Tips About Commercial Services Find A Pest Pro Privacy Policy Terms of Use Site Map Brought to you by

Not sure this is your pest? Upload a photo for AI identification → · Find local pest control services →

Common questions about House Crickets

What do House Crickets look like?

Adult house crickets are light yellowish brown in color with three dark crossbands on their head. They are about 3/4 – 7/8 inch in length and have a threadlike antennae that is often longer than its body, and wings that lie flat on its back. Nymphs are wingless but otherwise look

What are signs of House Crickets?

The most obvious sign of a house cricket infestation is the presence of crickets in the home. They are drawn to warm, moist environments within structures. Another sign of a cricket infestation is the chirping noise the male house crickets often make, which is done when they rub

How do I get rid of House Crickets?

The most effective way to get rid of crickets and prevent future infestations is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home. Mow the lawn, weed plant beds and move woodpiles away from the structure. Provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces, basements, etc. Consider c

Related Occasional Invaders

• Assassin Bugs
• Boxelder Bugs
• Camel Crickets
• Centipedes
• Earwigs
• Ladybugs
• Mayflies
• Millipedes

Vendors for Occasional Invaders

Vendors below are matched from the pest category and service specialties. Use country, ZIP / postal, city, branch, or service filters to narrow results.