Field Cricket Identification & Prevention

Field crickets are sometimes confused with the lesser-known ground cricket; the best way to tell the two apart is that field crickets are larger.

Description

Field crickets are a larger cricket species with adults growing to between  1/2 to 1 inch in length. Adults are winged and are dark brown or black; they use their large hind legs jumping.

Biology and Behavior

• Male field crickets use their wings to create a shrill, high-pitched chirping sound.
• Field crickets scavenge for plants and other insects to feed on; they do not cause enough damage to plants to be considered a garden pest.
• They live underneath mulch, rocks, woodpiles, and other objects that provide a damp, dark environment.
• Inside homes, field crickets will seek shelter in damp, dark areas like basements, under sinks, in crawl spaces, and other like areas.
• Field crickets are attracted to lights and can be seen on sidewalks or pavement under street lights or gathered on decks and porches attracted to outdoor lighting.
• These crickets are typically found living outdoors but may enter buildings in large numbers to seek warmth. 
• Inside, field crickets may cause damage to fabrics, paper, and other personal belongings.