THE CRICKET                                                                                                                                                                                   

HEALTH THREAT: Crickets only pose a health threat if directly attacked, their sharp jaws, primarily used to emit thier mating song, can give off a strong bite that gives the sensation of burning.

PROPERTY THREAT: Crickets eat almost anything including: fabric, wood, paper and wall paper glue.

          Crickets are commonly mistaken for grasshoppers. They both have long flattened bodies with long antennae. To tell if you have a cricket or grasshopper roaming in your house, listen for a distinct chirping calling song, which only the cricket is capable of. While these pests are more annoying than they are dangerous, their jaws are very strong and can give off a bite that burns are very strong and can give off a bite that burns.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF CRICKETS

House Cricket

            House crickets can be found in and outside of the home. They prefer moist, dark areas such as basements, wells, garages and attics. This species prefers hot temperatures, so these pests are more common in summer, in houses that retain heat. Common hiding places for house crickets include piles of stone, wood and cardboard boxes.  

            Traits of a House Cricket 

            Shape: Flattened body with long Antennae

Color: Yellowish brown to black 

Activitiy: Active at night

Body: Noticeably long legs

Environment: Hot and dry

Signs of a Cricket Infestation 

            Males emit a chirping noise

            Some species can fly and jump, similar to grasshoppers

            Damage to fabrics and materials. Crickets can feed on almost all fabrics, wall paper glue, paper, crops

            seedlings and other insects.