House Crickets

House Crickets

Acheta Domesticus

Description

Adult house crickets are light yellowish brown in color with three dark crossbands on their head. They are about 3/4 – 7/8 inch in length and have a threadlike antennae that is often longer than its body, and wings that lie flat on its back. Nymphs are wingless but otherwise look similar to adults. Outside, house crickets feed on plants and dead or live insects, including other crickets. Indoors, they can feast on fabric, including clothing and carpet. Wool, cotton, silk and synthetic fabrics as well as clothes soiled with perspiration are especially attractive to house crickets.

Habitat and behavior

House crickets are nocturnal or active at night and usually hide in dark warm places during the day. During warm weather months, house crickets typically live outdoors and are especially fond of garbage dumps. They are often attracted to electric lights in larger numbers, sometimes by the thousands, and rest on vertical surfaces such as light poles and house walls. However, when cold weather approaches, they seek shelter in houses and sheds because of the moisture and warmth they provide.

Public health

While house crickets don’t post a health risk to humans, they can cause damage to property, specifically clothing, carpets and areas covered in fabric. Favorite fabrics include wool, cotton, silk and synthetics. As house crickets typically surface feed, they leave the area roughened from pulling the fibers loose while eating. In the case of a heavy infestation, large areas of fabric may be eaten out. This is why it’s important to get rid of crickets as soon as possible.

Control and management

If you hear that chirping noise occurs at night, it could be a sign of a house cricket infestation, kindly contact us to help you getting rid of this nuisance insect. 056 544 9123