What Are Crickets?
Crickets are nocturnal insects best known for their chirping sounds—produced by males rubbing their wings together to attract mates.
In Texas, crickets become particularly problematic during late summer and fall when populations peak. They're attracted to lights, moisture, and can invade homes in large numbers seeking shelter as temperatures drop.
While crickets don't pose significant health risks, their constant chirping disrupts sleep, and large infestations can damage fabrics, paper, and plants.
Types of Texas Crickets
1. House Cricket
Light brown with darker bands. Most common indoor cricket. Attracted to warmth and moisture. Chirps loudly at night. Can damage fabrics and paper.
2. Field Cricket
Large, black, shiny appearance. Lives outdoors but invades in fall. Attracted to lights. Strong jumpers. Feeds on plants and organic matter.
3. Camel Cricket
Humpbacked appearance, no wings, silent. Prefers dark, damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. Jumps erratically when disturbed.
4. Mole Cricket
Brown, cylindrical body with digging front legs. Lives underground. Damages lawns by tunneling near surface. Most active spring and summer.
Identification Guide
Size
House: ¾ inch | Field: 1 inch | Camel: 1-1.5 inches | Mole: 1-1.25 inches
Color
Light brown to black depending on species
Shape
Cylindrical body, long antennae, enlarged hind legs for jumping
Behavioral Signs
- Nocturnal activity—chirping increases at night
- Attracted to lights and moisture
- Strong jumpers that seek hiding spots during day
- Gather in large numbers during fall migrations
Signs of Cricket Infestation
Common Indicators:
- Loud chirping at night, especially from multiple locations
- Live crickets found in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements
- Crickets gathered near exterior lights
- Damage to fabrics, paper, or indoor plants
- Dead crickets found in window sills or corners
- Increased activity during late summer and fall
Damage & Nuisance Issues
Fabric & Paper Damage
- Feed on natural fibers including wool, silk, and cotton
- Damage curtains, upholstery, and clothing
- Chew through paper and cardboard
Noise & Sleep Disruption
- Constant chirping from multiple crickets disrupts sleep
- Peak activity between 10 PM and 4 AM
- Difficult to locate individual crickets by sound alone
Lawn Damage (Mole Crickets)
- Tunnel through soil near surface, uprooting grass
- Create unsightly raised tunnels in lawns
- Feed on grass roots causing brown patches
Prevention Strategies
Reduce Outdoor Attraction
- Switch exterior lights to yellow "bug lights"
- Move lights away from entry doors
- Keep foundation plantings trimmed back
- Remove leaf litter and debris near foundation
Eliminate Moisture Sources
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers
- Ensure proper drainage away from foundation
- Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces
Seal Entry Points
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors
- Seal cracks in foundation and walls
- Repair damaged window screens
- Weatherstrip garage doors
Professional Cricket Treatment
Effective cricket control targets both the indoor infestation and the outdoor population trying to get in.
Our Treatment Protocol
Perimeter Barrier Treatment
Residual insecticide applied around foundation, entry points, and exterior lights to prevent entry
Indoor Crack & Crevice Treatment
Targeted applications in hiding spots—baseboards, closets, storage areas
Light Reduction Recommendations
Guidance on reducing light attraction and using yellow bulbs
Exclusion Work
Seal obvious entry points and install door sweeps where needed
Treatment Cost Expectations
Common Questions
Q: Why are crickets suddenly everywhere in my house?
Cricket invasions typically occur in fall when outdoor temperatures drop. They seek warmth and shelter, often gathering in large numbers near lights before finding entry points.
Q: How do I stop the constant chirping?
Male crickets chirp to attract mates. Reducing the indoor population through treatment and preventing outdoor crickets from entering will eliminate the noise.
Q: Are crickets harmful to pets?
No, crickets are not toxic to pets. In fact, many pets enjoy catching and eating them. However, large infestations should still be controlled.
Q: Can I prevent crickets without chemicals?
Exclusion (sealing entry points), reducing outdoor lighting, and eliminating moisture help but may not fully prevent large fall migrations. Professional treatments provide the most reliable control.
Quiet Nights Start Here
Stop the chirping and prevent cricket invasions.
Let us restore peace to your home.