Crickets are common across Arizona, often forming large populations, especially in urban and suburban areas. These insects belong to the order Orthoptera, which also includes grasshoppers and katydids. Their presence is a reliable indicator of moisture and habitat availability, allowing them to adapt successfully to Arizona’s varying environments.
Common Cricket Species in Arizona
Arizona residents frequently encounter three main cricket species. The Field Cricket (Gryllus spp.) is a robust insect, usually dark brown to shiny black, growing to over an inch long. They primarily dwell outdoors in lawns and gardens and are the major source of familiar nighttime chirping. The Indian House Cricket (Gryllodes supplicans) is a smaller, lighter-colored species, typically yellowish-brown or tan with distinct dark bands. This species is notable for being one of the few crickets capable of breeding and establishing populations entirely indoors.
The Camel Cricket (Ceuthophilus spp.) is a unique type, known for its distinctive humpbacked appearance and long, spider-like legs. These crickets are generally light to dark brown and lack the sound-producing organs found on the wings of other species. They do not chirp and rely on their extremely long antennae for navigation in the dark, moist environments they prefer.
Typical Habitats and Survival
Crickets thrive by exploiting moisture pockets in Arizona’s arid environment. They are largely nocturnal, which allows them to avoid extreme daytime heat and conserve moisture. Outdoors, they seek refuge in cool, damp areas like under rocks, logs, debris, and dense vegetation. In urban settings, they hide beneath landscaping timbers, meter boxes, flower pots, and moist soil near foundations or leaky faucets.
The seasonal monsoon significantly influences cricket populations. Increased moisture and humidity during the summer create favorable conditions for breeding and survival. The influx of water spurs vegetation growth, providing an abundant food supply. Heavy rains can also flood underground habitats, forcing crickets to seek higher, drier ground, often resulting in them moving toward or into human structures.
Human Interaction and Control
The most common interaction with crickets is stridulation—the chirping noise made by males rubbing their wings to attract mates. This noise is often bothersome, especially when crickets invade homes to escape unfavorable outdoor conditions. Crickets are omnivorous scavengers that can also cause damage to household goods, including fabrics, paper products, and drywall, particularly when populations are high.
Crickets serve as a primary food source for scorpions in Arizona. A large cricket population near a home can attract these predators, increasing the risk of scorpion encounters for humans and pets. Therefore, controlling crickets helps reduce the presence of other arthropods. Control involves eliminating their access to shelter and moisture.
Control measures include:
- Sealing cracks and gaps in the home’s foundation.
- Ensuring tight-fitting weather stripping on doors.
- Removing outdoor debris like wood piles and excessive mulch near the house.
- Reducing the use of outdoor lighting at night, as crickets are strongly attracted to light.