Crickets are common in gardens, known for their distinctive nighttime chirping, but these omnivorous insects are capable of damaging flowers and other plant life. Yes, certain species actively feed on plant matter, including tender flower petals and young seedlings. Their diet is opportunistic, changing based on what is available, making moisture-rich foliage a prime target. Crickets seek out plants for sustenance and hydration, particularly during dry periods.
Crickets That Feed on Plants
The majority of flower and foliage damage is typically caused by Field Crickets, robust insects characterized by their dark brown to black coloration. These generalist feeders consume a wide variety of plant material, making them the most frequent garden pest. They are particularly drawn to young, tender plants because soft tissues are easy to chew and provide high moisture content during warm weather.
House Crickets, though often found indoors, will also feed on garden plants when living outside, acting as opportunistic feeders on leaves, seeds, and flowers. Their presence indicates an abundant food source, and they readily consume available produce or ornamental blooms. Mole Crickets pose a specialized threat, primarily attacking plants underground rather than consuming flowers directly. These pests use their shovel-like forelegs to tunnel through soil, severing roots and disturbing the soil around the base of plants. This activity causes wilting and plant death that mimics above-ground feeding damage.
Crickets are classified as omnivores, meaning they consume decaying organic matter and smaller insects, not exclusively relying on plants. This varied diet makes them difficult to manage, as they are not restricted to a single food source. However, when soft plant tissues like flower petals or young stems are available, crickets prioritize these for their ease of access and high nutritional value.
How Cricket Damage Appears
Visual inspection of above-ground plant parts reveals specific signs that distinguish cricket feeding from other common garden pests. Crickets use strong mandibles to chew, often leaving ragged, irregular holes in the middle of leaves and flower petals. Unlike the smooth cuts left by caterpillars or the slimy trails of slugs, cricket damage appears haphazard and torn.
Damage is frequently concentrated on plants close to the ground, as crickets are nocturnal and prefer to remain concealed in low-lying vegetation or debris during the day. They are known to clip the stems of newly emerged seedlings entirely, creating an effect similar to cutworm damage where the plant is severed at the soil line. This habit can be devastating to vegetable gardens or flower beds where young plants are establishing themselves.
Mole cricket damage is identified by raised tunnels or mounds of soil near the base of plants, reflecting their burrowing activity. This tunneling causes significant root desiccation and disruption, even if the cricket does not directly consume the roots. This leads to a sudden decline and browning of the plant. Wilting or dying plants without obvious above-ground feeding marks can indicate a mole cricket issue.
Managing Cricket Populations in Gardens
Effective management begins with modifying the garden environment to make it less attractive for shelter and breeding. Crickets hide in dark, moist places during the day, so removing piles of leaf litter, weeds, tall grass, and general yard debris eliminates their preferred daytime habitats. Reducing excess moisture around the garden perimeter, such as fixing leaky spigots or avoiding overwatering, makes the area less hospitable.
For protecting vulnerable young plants, physical barriers are an effective non-chemical solution. Covering seedlings and newly transplanted flowers with fine mesh netting or row covers prevents crickets from accessing the tender foliage. Since crickets are attracted to light, minimizing the use of bright outdoor lighting near the garden at night reduces their presence.
Targeted control methods include applying insect baits containing a cricket-specific insecticide, which crickets consume and carry back to their hiding spots. These baits are scattered in areas where crickets are most active, such as around foundations and garden edges. For mole crickets, a simple flush test using soapy water poured onto the suspected area brings them to the surface, confirming their presence and allowing for targeted application of control products.