House crickets

House crickets, scientifically known as Acheta domesticus, are small, nocturnal insects that often find their way into homes. Known for their distinctive chirping sound, house crickets are common across the United States and can become a nuisance if they invade in large numbers. Read on to learn more about how to identify house crickets and where you’re most likely to find them.

Lifecycle

House crickets go through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Their life cycle lasts two to three months, depending on the temperature, and they do best in warm conditions. Males chirp to attract females, and after mating, females lay up to 200 eggs in damp areas. 

The eggs hatch into nymphs, which look like small adult crickets but don’t have wings. Nymphs molt (shed their skin) several times as they grow, and after about a month, they start to grow wings. Once fully grown, adult crickets focus on eating and mating, and the cycle starts again.

Identification

House crickets are small, light brown insects, usually about 0.5 to one inch long. They have three dark bands on their heads, long antennae, and long, slender legs that help them jump. Their wings are short when they’re young but fully developed when they’re adults. House crickets are known for their loud chirping, which they make by rubbing their wings together.

Habitat

House crickets thrive in warm, moist areas, such as basements, kitchens, and crawl spaces. Outside, they are commonly found in piles of firewood, compost, and debris. During cold weather, they often seek shelter indoors to escape the drop in temperature.

House crickets in America

House crickets are common throughout the United States, particularly in urban and suburban areas. While they prefer warmer climates, they can survive in colder regions by taking refuge inside homes. The presence of these insects is more noticeable during late summer and fall when they actively seek indoor shelter.

House cricket behavior, threats, or dangers

Are house crickets bad to have in your house? While house crickets are not dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance. Their loud chirping can disrupt sleep, especially in areas with significant infestations.

In addition to their noise, house crickets may damage fabrics, such as clothing, curtains, and upholstery. They are known to chew on these materials, leaving behind irregular holes. While house crickets do not bite humans, their presence in large numbers can lead to property damage and discomfort.

Are house crickets hard to get rid of?

Getting rid of house crickets can be challenging, especially if they have established a cricket infestation in hidden areas of your home. These nocturnal insects are adept at hiding in cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach places.

Effective cricket control often involves eliminating moisture sources, sealing entry points, and removing potential hiding spots. Our cricket experts at Ehrlich can help identify and treat infestations to prevent crickets from returning.

For more tips, check out our guide on how to get rid of crickets.

How many house crickets count as an infestation?

A few house crickets in your home might not seem like a big deal, but spotting multiple crickets or hearing constant chirping could indicate a larger problem. As a general rule, if you consistently find crickets in different parts of your home, you may be dealing with an infestation.

Cricket infestations typically occur during periods of high humidity or when outdoor temperatures drop. To avoid an infestation, it’s important to address the issue promptly.

Frequently asked questions