Mythbusters: Crickets Edition

We see all kinds of bugs get called crickets, like grasshoppers and katydids. We also hear a lot of beliefs new customers have about crickets. Let's address those here.

Here are some common misconceptions about crickets:

Myth 1: Crickets, Grasshoppers, And Katydids Are All The Same Thing

These three bugs, as well as cicadas that also sometimes get confused with crickets, are distinctly different species. They do look similar and are closely related, but if you care to look close enough, you can tell them apart. Katydids often have antennae that are longer than their body, while most crickets have thick, short antennae. They call katydids make is also easily distinguishable from the typical cricket.

Grasshoppers are generally more active during the daytime, while crickets prefer evenings. Grasshoppers have the longest of antennae and also have the ability to fly long distances. Though some crickets can fly, they are poor flyers at best.

Myth 2: Crickets Will Bite You If You Get Close

Technically, yes, crickets can bite. However, it's extremely rare and when it does happen their bites are pretty harmless as their mandibles aren't strong enough to puncture skin. Additionally, crickets are not aggressive, preferring to hop away from threats rather than toward them.

Myth 3: Crickets Always Move In Swarms and Destroy Your Plants

This is a two-parter. First, crickets can swarm. In Virginia, it's possible to see cricket swarms in late summer and early fall. This primarily happens as they look for new habitats (more food, warmth in cooler nights, etc) or when attracted to bright outside lights.

When crickets swarm in a yard and infest the vegetation, they can do significant damage to plants, especially younger plants. However a few crickets on their own won't cause much damage to your yard. The key is to keep them from coming into your yard in droves.

Myth 4: Crickets Only Live Outside

House Crickets, like a lot of the other pests, do want to become your roommates. They thrive in warm and damp locations, like basements and kitchens. They are opportunistic feeders, so they eat most anything. They can cause damage to fabrics, like curtains, upholstery, carpets, and clothing.

In addition to causing potential damage to your home, and startling you when they suddenly jump out at you, crickets can also become a nuisance in your home due to their noise. They will chirp indoors and will chirp at night while you're trying to sleep.

Myth 5: Crickets Are Easy To Get Rid Of

Unfortunately, this one is a myth. Crickets are difficult to eradicate once they are in your home or swarming your yard. First, make sure to seal up any cracks or other entry points to prevent any new crickets from entering your residence. Make sure that you fix any leaks or moist areas in your home or yard that could be attracting the crickets. Change out bright outdoor lightbulbs for softer, warmer colors.

Professional pest control can help with crickets, particularly as a preventative measure. Maintaining a home barrier year-round and have regular yard treatments will keep crickets from moving into your spaces in the first place.

We're always here to help or answer questions, call us any time!

For even more information on Virginia pests, check out our pest library and other blog posts