Pest Gallery

Crickets: Orthoptera

The house cricket and the field cricket commonly invade homes. Camel crickets and mole crickets are also occasional pests indoors, especially in damp and dark basements, which have a partial dirt floor. When present in large numbers, crickets are a considerable annoyance and can cause damage to some fabrics such as linens, rayon, and furs. They will attack paper, all kinds of foods, and even rubber. However, unless large numbers occur, such damage is usually minor.

Crickets are closely related to cockroaches, so they have a gradual metamorphosis. The house cricket lives outdoors but may invade houses in great numbers. Adults are about ¾ inch long with 3 dark bands on the head and long thin antennae. The body is light yellowish-brown. The cricket is active at night, usually remaining hidden during the day. They are omnivorous, eating or drinking almost anything that is available.