Crickets

Field crickets can severely damage or destroy field crops and vegetables crops and hence, probably get their common name from this activity.  

Adults are about 1/2-1 1/8" long.  Their color is typically black but varies to brownish yellow or straw yellow.  Antennae threadlike, much longer than body.  Wings lay flat on the back.  Nymphs similar to adults except smaller, and lack wings.

Field crickets usually overwinter in the egg stage but depending on the species, may overwinter as mid- to late- instar nymphs.  The female usually lay 150-400 eggs which are deposited singly in firm but moist soil. 

Field crickets are typically found in moist situations such as in mulched areas, unweeded plant beds, in and around woodpiles, stones, and debris, etc.  Their presence is often indicated by the males chirping, which for most species occurs during the day and night.  These sounds are made by rubbing the front wings together.  His "calling song" serves to attract females.  They are often attracted in great numbers to electric lights.

Field crickets can disturb field crops such as alfalfa, wheat, oats, and rye, and vegetable crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, beans, etc.  Huge outbreaks occasionally occur in the Midwest and south where they sometimes enter towns and cities in great swarms.  They also feed on other insects and their own kind.

They do not survive indoors for long periods of time and usually die off by winter.  However, they may cause damage to fabrics of cotton, wool, linen, silk, synthetics, or leather and fur garments, especially when soiled with perspiration or food.

House crickets often enter houses where they can survive indefinitely. 

Adults are about 3/4-7/8" long.  Their color is light yellowish brown with 3 dark cross bands on head.  Antennae threadlike, longer than body.  Wings lay flat on the back.  Nymphs look like adults except smaller, and lack wings and an ovipositor.

House crickets typically surface feed, leaving the surface roughened from pulling or picking the fibers loose while feeding.  Their feeding sometimes results in an irregular matted network over the surface, or if the infestation is heavy, large areas of the fabric may be eaten out. 

Indoors, females deposit an average of 104 eggs at room temperature.  Their eggs are placed singly in crevices, such as behind baseboards and other dark places.

During warm weather, house crickets typically live outdoors and especially in garbage dumps.  With the approach of cold weather, they seek shelter places such as sheds and houses. 

These crickets are nocturnal or active at night and usually hide in dark warm places during the day.  Their presence is indicated by the male's chirping which is done by rubbing their front wings together.  His "calling song" serves to attract females. 

Outside, they are often attracted to electric lights in large numbers. Outside, they feed on plants and dead or live insects, including crickets.  They often enter homes seeking moisture.  When these crickets enter homes, many kinds of clothing and even carpets can be damaged.  Favorite fabrics include wool, cotton, silk, and synthetics.  Clothes soiled with perspiration are especially attractive to crickets.  They eat out large areas of fabrics as opposed to the small holes typical of clothes moths.

(Insect Information excerpted from the NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests)