All About Crickets

All the cricket information you need in one handy spot.

Cricket Facts & Information

The two major species of crickets in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware are the common cricket and cave crickets – also known as cellar or camel crickets. They’re both harmless, but the cave crickets are menacing! They will jump right at you in an effort to scare you away. Pretty effective, too! But their bark is way worse than their bite. In fact, a cricket bite is incredibly unlikely!

Primarily an outdoor species, you could see crickets in your basement if there’s a good amount of humidity and plenty to eat, but they probably jumped in by mistake. They’re a nuisance because of their chirping, but overall, they’re pretty harmless.

How Do I Get Rid of Crickets

The most effective way to prevent a cricket infestation is to reduce areas of moisture in and around your home. A dehumidifier can prevent the moisture buildup that cave crickets are attracted to. Additionally, be sure to seal all possible points of entry around your house, keep crawl spaces, basements, and attics well ventilated, and store fire wood at least 20 feet away from your house. Reduction or elimination of moist harborage near structures, such as removing woodpiles and debris, can help control outdoor camel cricket populations.

Professional exclusion work can help including sealing cracks and crevices in walls and foundations, sealing cracks and crevices around door and window frames, and ensuring door and window screens are in good condition and not torn. Placing weather stripping around windows and doors and putting door sweeps on all exterior doors are also two smart exclusion techniques that can be implemented to keep out not only crickets but many other pests.
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Why do crickets chirp at night?

Winged male crickets initiate the reproductive process by using their distinctive chirping noises to attract female crickets. They mostly sing at night to help avoid predators.

What’s the difference between crickets and grasshoppers?

Grasshoppers are much larger. Since they’re usually about four inches and crickets are only two inches, grasshoppers are twice the size of crickets. Grasshoppers have very short antennae while crickets have very long antennae.

What do crickets eat?

Crickets are omnivorous insect pests with a diet that primarily consists of plant matter, but they also consume other insects and organic materials. They’re known to consume a wide range of plant materials, including leaves, grass, fruits, vegetables, and flowers but are also very opportunistic! They will consume other insects, pet food, decaying fruit, and even some fabrics.

Are crickets harmful?

Crickets are not dangerous and pose no significant risk to humans. However, many people find them to be annoying nuisances, especially when crickets enter homes and begin their incessant nighttime chirping!

Can you keep a cricket as a pet?

You can, but why would you? They can survive in a large transparent jar or a small terrarium with at least two inches of damp soil on the bottom, but these guys should really be out in nature where they belong.

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Why Western FOR CRICKET CONTROL?

We’re passionate about controlling crickets because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. With our almost 100 years of experience keeping homes and businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania safe from pests, Western has the experience you can trust.
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