House Cricket

Category:

Actual Size: ¾ to 1”

Characteristics: Has three dark bands on the head. Light yellowish-brown body.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Yes, but rarely fly. Males rub their wings together to create the characteristic chirping noise.

Habitat: Drawn to grassy outdoor areas with plenty of leaf litter, rocks, and other hiding places.

Habits:

  • Chirps more frequently as the temperatures heat up.
  • Have auditory organs on their lower forelegs, meaning they “hear with their legs”.
  • Known for creating a loud chirping noise when rubbing front wings together.

House Crickets in Memphis TN Metro Area

The house cricket was brought to Canada and the United States during the 18th century, and it caught the interest of early writers due to its musical serenades and peculiar tendency to nibble on clothing. House crickets are active during the night and have a diverse diet, readily consuming various types of food. They show a particular attraction to liquids, with fermented beverages like beer or sweetened vinegar being especially appealing to them. As temperatures drop in the autumn, house crickets are drawn to warm and moist environments, seeking food and shelter inside homes and structures.

House Cricket Habitat

During warm weather, house crickets reside outdoors among debris piles, rocks, firewood, and lumber. They can also be spotted in compost bins and garbage dumps during the winter, as well as in houses, sheds, and other shelters. As the cold weather arrives, house crickets make their way into homes and become active in warm areas of the house. These crickets are nocturnal and typically become noticeable at dusk when they start searching for food within homes. Homeowners may also become aware of their presence through the familiar chirping sounds produced by male crickets. When attempting to attract females, males create chirping sounds by rubbing their front wings together.

House Cricket Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

House crickets do not bite or transmit diseases, but they can be bothersome if they find their way into a home, causing damage to clothing, carpets, and fabric-covered areas. Due to their attraction to warmth, they are frequently found near fireplaces, kitchens, furnaces, water heaters, and basements. They hide in cracks, behind baseboards, and may even burrow into wall mortar. House crickets pose a particular threat to silk and woolen materials, as they can be quite destructive to them.

If you have a house cricket infestation in your Memphis TN Metro Area property, contact your local pest control experts.