Pest Expert Overview: Crickets in Bryan & College Station
The most common type of cricket infesting homes in Texas is the field cricket, Gryllus spp. It is unknown how many different species there are in North America since they often look nearly identical. Differences in their chirps are often the only identifying characteristic between species. Field crickets are dark brown in color and about an inch long as adults. They have long antennae. The adults can fly, but more often opt for hopping with their powerful back legs. Huge outbreaks of crickets usually occur the year following a drought. It is believed that dryer soil improves the survival of the eggs.
Life Cycle
Field crickets lay their eggs in the soil during the fall using a long ovipositor. A female can lay as many as 400 eggs. Eggs overwinter in the soil and emerge as nymphs the following spring. Cricket nymph are similar in appearance as adults, but smaller and lack fully developed wings. Nymphs reach adulthood after about 3 months. At maturity, male crickets attract mates by chirping. The sound is produced by rubbing their wings together.
Field crickets will eat nearly anything including dried or fresh plant material, live or dead insects.
Why are they Pests?
Field crickets are important in the decomposition of organic matter in nature. They are also capable of damaging agricultural crops. In homes, they are generally just a nuisance. They are unable to reproduce indoors, so most problems arise from them entering accidentally. Huge numbers of crickets can appear during years following a drought.
Cricket Prevention
- Make sure doors and windows seal properly
- Replace exterior lights with LED lights or turn them off at night
Professional Cricket Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of crickets, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
