Field House Cricket
Identification, Habits, and Control
About Field and House Crickets
Family: Gryllidae
Field and house crickets are among the most common cricket species encountered around homes and businesses. While field crickets typically live outdoors, house crickets are more likely to infest indoor environments when conditions are favorable.
Both types are known for their persistent chirping and tendency to enter structures, especially during cooler weather or when outdoor conditions change.
How to Identify
Field and House Crickets
Size
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About 1/2 to 1 inch long
Color
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Field crickets: dark brown to black
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House crickets: light brown or tan
Identifying Characteristics
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Long antennae
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Strong hind legs for jumping
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Chirping sound produced by males
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Flattened body shape
Where You’ll Find Them
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Around foundations and landscaping
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Near doors, windows, and entry points
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Basements, garages, and crawl spaces
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Inside living areas if infestations develop
Behavior and Risks
Field and house crickets are nocturnal and become most active at night, which is when their chirping is most noticeable. Male crickets produce chirping sounds to attract mates, and this noise can become disruptive when they are indoors.
Crickets are often drawn to structures by lights, warmth, and shelter. They may enter through small cracks, gaps, or open doors and windows, especially during seasonal changes. Once inside, they tend to hide in dark, protected areas such as basements, closets, or behind appliances.
Homeowners commonly notice chirping sounds at night, crickets jumping when disturbed, or activity near entry points. In larger numbers, crickets may also damage fabrics, paper, or stored items as they feed. While they do not pose health risks, repeated indoor activity often indicates entry points or environmental conditions that are allowing them inside. Addressing these factors is key to long-term control.