|
| |
Crickets
There are several types of crickets in the United States.
These pests are found in and out of the home. They can cause damage when they
invade the home. We will discuss those most common.
Camel Back or Cave Crickets
Most pests want to live where people live, but these pests are different. They
love dark, damp, cave-like settings where they can nest. These environments
provide both food and water. They can live for a long time in a home without
being detected by the residents. As their population increases, some will get
into living areas.
Habits: They will move onto areas around the home taking up residence under
porches, sheds, and the like. They love moisture and darkness.
Diet: Nesting under porches and sheds usually have moisture and darkness that
thereby produce fungus and mold which crickets feed on. Also, they will feed on
fabric. They love to eat both synthetic and manmade materials including rugs,
furniture, books, canvas, clothing, boxes, linen, drapery, and just about
anything we have in our living area.
Signs of Infestation
Sightings, Damaged goods, Chirping (singing)
Other Information: Their vision is such that it appears to them they are moving
away from a would-be predator but in fact they are moving towards it. This may
give the appearance that they are attacking which in turn chases the would-be
predator away. Another unique feature of this cricket is that they jump randomly
and are more likely to jump at you than away from you. It is believed this is
due to how they see, as described in the above.
Field Crickets
Most people know field and house crickets. They look similar to house crickets.
Either species will live in and around the home.
Appearance: Field crickets are dark to black in color. It is larger than the
House cricket(house crickets are about 3/4 inch long) and has wings extending
beyond the wing covers. It is usually dark brown to gray or blackish. Field
crickets frequently invade homes and may feed on a wide variety of materials
causing damage to almost anything. There is a smaller species of the genus
Nemobius that may invade homes in late summer.
Habits: Field crickets will move inside when grasses dry up or when
environmental
conditions outside become unfavorable.
Diet: Similar to the diet of Camel or Cave and House crickets. They do feed on
soil also and soft plant parts.
Signs of Infestation
Crickets can make the most from a compost pile and will readily nest anywhere
garbage accumulates. They also moisture, where water accumulates or where mold
and algae may be growing. Look for signs of damaged goods, listen for noise such
as chirping. They will feed on similar things that the Camel or Cave Crickets
do-- see Diet
Biology: Adult females can lay several hundred eggs. These hatch and the young
develop through a series of instars before it fully matures. It takes about a
year for a generation to develop. Since one female can lay hundreds of eggs ,
initial activity is usually not noticed. Once eggs hatch and migrate around the
home, populations will quickly grow. In the spring , expect to see small
crickets. By fall, adults will be foraging into structures looking for a warm
place to spend the winter months.
Other Information: Field crickets are often attracted to lighted areas at night.
Thus , problems with crickets can be lessened by turning off lights during
periods when crickets are numerous. Cricket infestations can lead to mouse and
rat problems, since these rodents like to feed on crickets.
House Crickets
Appearance: Adults are about 3/4 inch long with 3 dark bands on the head and
long , thin antennae. The body is light yellowish brown.
Habits: Active at night, usually remaining hidden during the day.
Diet: They are omnivorous, eating or drinking almost anything that is available.
They may chew on or damage silk , woolens, paper, fruit, and vegetables.
Signs of Infestation
Sightings, Damaged materials, Chirping
Biology: see--- Field cricket
Other Information: Crickets like to feed on the glue that holds wallpaper. They
can destroy the wallpaper in the process of going after the glue. If they have
their way, they will continue to feed on this area eventually consuming the
wallpaper itself. crickets are just as likely to be a pest in closets as moths
or closet beetles.
If you are experiencing problems with Crickets contact us
for treatment or more information.
| |
|
