Field Crickets

What do field crickets look like?

a field cricket in a streator illinois yard

Most field crickets are black, but may also be brown or an even lighter “straw” color. Adults grow to between 1/2 and 1-1/8 of an inch in length. They are winged insects that have wings that lay flat against their backs and bend down on their sides. Adult males use their wings to create their distinctive “chirping” sound. They have thin antennae that are longer than their bodies. Field crickets have stout bodies and are powerful jumpers due to their large back legs. Their nymphs look very similar to the adults; they are just smaller and do not have fully developed wings.

Where are field crickets found?

Like many other occasional invaders, field crickets prefer dark, moist areas and are often found outside under mulch, garden plants, woodpiles, landscaping logs, leaf piles, and rocks. Field crickets are attracted to light and may accidentally find their way inside. Quad Cities homeowners often discover they have house guests when they hear chirping coming from inside their homes. Field crickets can’t survive inside for very long, but while they’re inside they may cause damage to clothing, furniture, and other personal items located in storage areas like closets, basements, and attics.

What do field crickets eat?

Field crickets are a species of agricultural pest, that when in very large numbers, can cause significant damage and destroy crops like alfalfa, wheat, rye, oats, and a variety of vegetables. Inside homes, they can chew on and cause damage to fabrics, furs, and leather.

DIY field cricket prevention and control tips

The following tips can help to prevent field crickets from becoming a problem on your property and in your home:

Remove piles of organic debris such as leaves and grass from your property.
Keep a stone barrier between any mulch and grass and your home’s foundation.
Place stacks of firewood a distance away from the outside of your home.
Switch white outdoor lights to yellow or sodium vapor lights.
Seal cracks and crevices in your building’s foundation.

Professional field cricket control

If you’re hearing chirping inside your house, contact Quik-Kill to learn more about our home pest control services. We’d be happy to discuss your pest problem and treatment options. In business since 1929, we are ready to help you eliminate field crickets and other pests that have become an issue in and around your home!