Crickets
- Crickets are distributed worldwide except at 55° or higher latitudes, with the most remarkable diversity being in the tropics. They occur in various habitats, from grassland, bushes, and forests to marshes, beaches, and caves.
- Mainly nocturnal, they are best known for the loud, persistent, chirping song of males trying to attract females, while some species are mute.
- Different species chirp at different rates depending on the temperature of their environment. Notably, most species chirp at higher speeds when the temperature is higher.
- Outbreaks are one of the most predictable pest events of the year in most areas of Texas. Adult field or black crickets become especially abundant around homes and commercial buildings in late summer and fall.
- Field crickets are primarily outdoor insects and are only accidental indoor invaders. Nevertheless, they can become a considerable household nuisance when abundant.
- Outdoor lighting is the most significant cause of severe infestations around homes and commercial buildings. Brightly lit buildings at night are most likely to attract the largest numbers.
- Unlike house crickets, which are usually sold in stores as pet food, field species do not breed indoors or establish permanent indoor infestations.
- They are kept as pets in countries from China to Europe and are also sometimes used for cricket fighting. Crickets convert their food into body mass efficiently, making them a candidate for food production.
- They are sold in South East Asian markets frequently as deep-fried snacks. They are used to feed carnivorous pets and zoo animals as well.
References
Merchant, Ph.D., Michael. “Cricket Control in the Fall.” Insects in the City, citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/misc-house/ent-2003/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2022.
Cricket (insect). (2022, September 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_(insect)
