The house cricket (Acheta domesticus) is a widely distributed insect known for its highly adaptable, omnivorous diet. Classified as omnivorous scavengers, they readily consume both plant and animal matter. Their ability to thrive on a broad range of food sources is a significant factor in their successful colonization of diverse natural and human-built environments globally.
The Omnivorous Nature of House Crickets
The wild diet of the house cricket is characterized by its opportunism, driven by the need for protein, carbohydrates, and moisture. In natural settings, these insects function as generalist consumers, feeding on a wide variety of plant materials like flowers, seeds, leaves, fruits, and grasses. They also play a role as environmental decomposers, consuming decaying organic matter, fungi, or detritus.
A significant portion of their diet includes animal protein, which they obtain by consuming dead insects, including members of their own species. This practice of cannibalism and scavenging ensures they acquire the necessary amino acids for growth and reproduction. The constant search for moisture and concentrated nutrients dictates their feeding patterns.
Household Items That Attract Crickets
When house crickets enter human dwellings, their scavenging instincts turn toward common household materials and stored goods. They consume dry foodstuffs, including various grains, flour, and pet food, often infiltrating pantries and storage areas. The damage they cause is not limited to food, as they are drawn to various fabrics, especially those soiled with food residue, sweat, or body oils.
Crickets frequently chew and damage textiles like wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic fabrics. They also readily feed on paper products, such as books, wallpaper, and cardboard, often attracted by the glues and starches used in their manufacturing. The presence of moisture is a major attractant, leading them to damp areas like basements where they find both water and materials to consume.
Diet Requirements for Crickets in Captivity
In captive environments, particularly when crickets are raised as feeder insects for reptiles or other pets, their diet must be controlled to maximize nutritional value. A baseline diet consists of commercial cricket feed, typically a blend of grains, proteins, and essential vitamins designed to support their health. Farmers often use high-protein chicken feed or specialized formulations (around 21% protein) to ensure optimal growth and survival rates.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are important, primarily serving as a source of hydration and supplementary nutrients. Slices of carrot, potato, or leafy greens are commonly provided, as these items offer water without the risk of the crickets drowning. Specialized hydration gels or crystals are the safest alternative for providing water, preventing accidental drowning while maintaining a consistent moisture source.
A critical practice in raising feeder insects is “gut loading,” which involves feeding the crickets a highly nutritious diet just 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to a pet. This process saturates the cricket’s gut with beneficial vitamins and minerals, which are then passed on to the consuming animal. Gut-loading diets are often rich in calcium to achieve an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, a nutrient balance often lacking in the insects themselves.