Texas has its fair share of insects and pests. There are many variations, sizes, and colors that pester our lives. They can destroy property, spread diseases, trigger allergies, or a little of both. Crickets can be a problem occasionally and in Texas, we have House Crickets, Camel Carpets, and Field Carpets. A-Tex Pest Management would like to share some brief information regarding these crickets.
Types of Crickets Found in Texas
Field Crickets. These crickets range from black to dark reddish-brown and average 5/8”-1″. The field cricket antennae are longer than the body and are black, the cerci hairy, longer than head and prothorax combined with wings. Field crickets tend to munch on seeds and seedlings of wild and crop plants, small fruits, dead and dying insects. They look for undergrowth in moderately humid areas and protected areas from predators and cold night winds.
Camel Crickets: Due to their humpbacked appearance, these crickets were designated camel crickets. Widespread throughout the U.S. and the world, they are a common cricket. These particular crickets do not chirp and unlike other crickets, they do not have wings. As their only defense mechanism, when they are frightened, camel crickets will leap to scare off predators. These crickets range from light to dark brown and are frequently mottled with dark bands on some segments. In addition to the humpbacked shape, camel crickets have very enlarged hind legs. They are active at night and hide during the day as nocturnal insects and will often overwinter as young nymphs or adults; females lay eggs in early spring and they hatch sometime in April. Outside, camel crickets stick to lurking close to buildings where they can find cool and moist environments, such as under stones, railroad ties, woodpiles, debris, and mulch. Around the home, they will stick close to drainage pipes, under air conditioner units, or sheds. Inside camel, crickets will seek damp basements, crawl spaces, garages, utility rooms, and occasionally in attics. Once inside they are responsible for damaging fabrics such as clothing, linens, and curtains.
House Crickets: Rightfully named with the fact they are the most common cricket to invade homes where they have all the necessities and survive indefinitely. They are known for their loud chirping from the males rubbing their front wings together to attract females. They are typically yellowish-brown with 3 dark crossbands on the head and range 3/4 – 7/8” long. House crickets have thread-like antennae that are longer than their body and their wings lie flat on their back; nymphs are wingless but look much like adults otherwise. Not only is their mating song an indication a house cricket has taken over your home, but they also chew on fabric like camel crickets.
Cricket Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
Many cricket species can be garden pests as they like to munch on young plants and flowers. Usually, their damage is minor but they do get truly destructive if there is a population outbreak. No matter which crickets are invading your Greater Austin, Texas home, A-Tex Pest Management can be called on the case and eliminate them from your home and property.