Crickets are a common insect belonging to the order Orthoptera, which also includes grasshoppers and katydids. While they are a prevalent part of the outdoor environment, certain species frequently enter homes and structures, leading to conflicts with human living spaces. This accidental or opportunistic entry raises the question of whether these six-legged creatures are merely occasional nuisances or genuine pests that cause measurable damage and disruption. Understanding their behavior and the specific impacts they have is necessary to assess the threat they pose to property and comfort.
Identifying Common Pest Species
The crickets most frequently encountered as pests indoors fall into three main categories, each with distinct features and environmental preferences.
House Crickets (Acheta domesticus)
The House Cricket is light yellowish-brown and typically measures between three-quarters of an inch to nearly an inch long, distinguished by three dark bands across its head. These insects are strongly attracted to warmth and light. They are capable of living and reproducing indoors year-round once they find a suitable habitat.
Field Crickets (Gryllus spp.)
Field Crickets are generally larger and more robust, ranging from one-half to over an inch in length, and are usually black in color. Though they are primarily outdoor insects, they invade structures when conditions become unfavorable, such as during periods of cooling temperatures or excessive dryness outdoors. They are also drawn to exterior lights, which brings them near building entry points.
Camel Crickets (Ceuthophilus spp.)
Camel Crickets, also known as Cave Crickets, possess a distinctive humped back and extremely long antennae and rear legs, sometimes leading them to be mistaken for spiders. These tan-to-dark-brown crickets are wingless and cannot chirp. They require dark, cool, and highly moist environments. This preference confines them mostly to damp basements, crawl spaces, and utility areas within a home.
Property Damage and Annoyance Factors
Crickets cause measurable damage because of their omnivorous and scavenging nature, feeding on a wide variety of materials they encounter indoors. Both house and field crickets are known to chew holes in natural and synthetic fabrics, including wool, cotton, silk, rayon, and nylon. They are particularly drawn to textiles and clothing that are soiled with food spills, perspiration, or body oils.
Beyond fabrics, crickets can also damage paper products, leather, rubber, and even wallpaper, especially if the materials are damp or have a food-related stain. While a small number of crickets may cause negligible damage, a large-scale infestation can result in significant loss to stored clothing, documents, and furnishings. The damage typically appears as irregular-shaped patches or holes.
The most common complaint is the persistent noise produced by the males of chirping species, primarily the house and field crickets. This sound is created through a process called stridulation. The male rubs a sharp edge on one forewing against a file-like ridge on the other to create a sound intended to attract females or warn other males. This loud, continuous chirping often occurs at night and can severely disrupt sleep.
Large infestations also create secondary issues that contribute to their pest status. Crickets leave behind dark, noticeable droppings, which can soil surfaces and stored items. Furthermore, a significant presence of crickets can attract other opportunistic pests, such as spiders and rodents, which feed on the crickets themselves.
Infestation Sources and Entry Points
Crickets are often categorized as “occasional invaders” because they prefer to live outdoors but enter structures when outdoor conditions become unsuitable. The primary attractants that draw them toward a home are light, warmth, and sources of moisture. House and field crickets are strongly attracted to bright outdoor lights, which often leads them to congregate near the building’s perimeter.
Moisture is a strong environmental lure, as crickets require high humidity to prevent dehydration and support biological functions. They are drawn to damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and areas with leaky pipes or poor drainage. These humid, secluded environments provide the shelter and water they need to survive indoors.
Crickets enter buildings through physical pathways that allow access from the exterior environment. Common entry points include:
- Gaps beneath doors, especially those with poor weatherstripping.
- Cracks in the foundation or siding.
- Openings around utility penetrations.
- Unsealed windows and damaged or ill-fitting screens.
Once inside, they seek out dark, cluttered, and sheltered spaces like storage areas or behind baseboards.