Cricket Identification & Control

House Cricket

House crickets (Acheta domesticus) are pale yellowish-brown or straw-colored, with dark brown stripes on their heads. They are known for their loud chirping, especially at night, and are attracted to lights and warm areas.

Indoors, house crickets tend to congregate in warm areas such as kitchens, near heaters, closets, or in upholstered furniture. They like to feed on fabrics, leaving behind holes and stains (from droppings) on clothes and furniture.

Size: 5/8″ – 7/8″ (16 – 21 mm)

Color: Pale yellowish-brown with dark markings

Identifying Features:

• 3 dark crossbands on the top of the head
• 2 long, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear
• 2 pairs of long, pointed wings (males chirp by rubbing the edges of the forewings together)
• Females have a long, sword-like appendage (ovipositor) extending from the rear
• 6 legs (the hind pair is extra long with enlarged femora)
• Long, thread-like antennae

Camel Cricket

Camel crickets (Rhaphidophoridae spp.), also known as cave crickets or spider crickets, are brown and grow up to 1.5 inches long.

Unlike most cricket species, camel crickets do not chirp and are not attracted to light. Instead, they thrive in dark, damp, and cool environments, and are commonly found in areas with excess moisture or humidity.

Size: 1/2″ – 1 1/2″ (13 – 33 mm)

Color: Light-to-dark brown

Identifying Features:

• A hump-backed body with knee joints pointed upwards like a spider
• Wingless and does not chirp
• 2 long, outward-pointing appendages (cerci) extending from the rear
• Females have a long, sword-like appendage (ovipositor) extending from the rear
• 6 legs (the hind pair is extra long with enlarged femora)
• Long, thread-like antennae

How to Get Rid of Crickets

Crickets thrive in damp environments, so the best way to address an infestation is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home.

• Use a fan or dehumidifier in areas with excess moisture, such as basements, laundry areas, or bathrooms.
• Repair any leaks and address other plumbing issues to prevent high humidity.

Traps and Insecticides

For small infestations, you can try using DIY cricket traps to control cricket populations in areas where you’ve spotted them.

• Diatomaceous earth
• Sticky traps
• Vinegar traps

For severe infestations, you might consider using insecticides that are specifically labelled for use against crickets. Be sure to carefully follow the product instructions and take proper safety precautions, especially if you have children or pets.

Seal Entry Points (Exclusion)

Crickets enter homes through small openings, such as gaps around doors, windows, and walls. Finding and sealing potential entry points will help prevent new crickets from getting inside.

• Install door sweeps and weatherstripping around exterior doors and ground level windows.
• Caulk or repair any cracks and gaps found in the foundation, walls, or other areas that crickets could use to get inside.
• Trim weeds and tall grass to reduce outdoor hiding areas.
• Remove firewood, brush, and debris near the foundation of your home.

What Attracts Crickets?

Crickets usually live outdoors, but they can venture inside in search of food, shelter, and warmth.

House crickets are often found around garbage bins and dumps, feeding on plant material and dead insects. They are strongly attracted to light, which may draw them inside at night.

Unlike house crickets, camel crickets are not attracted to light. They thrive in dark, damp areas such as basements, cellars, and spaces under logs and stones.

Need help getting rid of crickets? Talk to one of our pest experts today.