Egg
Females deposit eggs in soil, wood, cracks, or other protected locations suited to the species.
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Call (619) 421 - 2101About crickets
When Outdoor Crickets Become Indoor Pests
Crickets are common pests in the United States that feed on weeds, grasses, decaying plant material, and other food sources. Both heavy rain and drought can cause them to migrate, sometimes driving them into businesses and residences. They often shelter in cracks around structures and can enter through gaps beneath exterior doors.
Once indoors, some crickets may damage soiled natural or synthetic fabrics and become a persistent noise problem. Male crickets produce their familiar chirping song by rubbing specialized structures on their forewings together. Although people in some cultures consume crickets as a lean source of protein, unwanted crickets can still become nuisance pests around homes and places of business.
Hearing or seeing crickets around your property?
Call (619) 421 - 2101 →Lifecycle
The Three Stages of a Cricket's Lifecycle
Crickets develop through simple metamorphosis. Timing and the number of generations vary by species and environmental conditions.
Nymph
Nymphs resemble smaller adults but lack fully developed wings. They molt repeatedly as they grow.
Adult
Adults reproduce, and males of many species chirp to attract females. Some species can remain active indoors during winter.
Identification guide
Crickets Commonly Seen in Southern California
Primarily outdoors
Field Crickets
- Usually dark brown to shiny black.
- Common species are often about 0.6 to 1 inch long, although size varies.
- Typically have antennae longer than the body and developed wings.
- Use enlarged hind legs to jump; flight ability varies by species and individual.
- Many follow a seasonal, roughly annual lifecycle, but timing depends on species and climate.
- May feed on ornamental plants, vegetables, grasses, and plant debris around homes and businesses.
- Primarily infest exterior areas but may wander indoors as outdoor conditions change.
Indoor and outdoor activity
House Crickets
- Resemble field crickets but are commonly light brown or tan with three dark bands on the head and are usually about 3/4 to 1 inch long.
- Develop through the same three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
- Outdoor populations often follow a seasonal egg-laying cycle, but reproduction timing changes with temperature and shelter.
- Can survive and reproduce indoors or outdoors; warm interior conditions may support activity throughout the year, including winter.
Usually not a structural pest
Jerusalem Crickets
- Also called niñas de la tierra; their stout bodies can reach about 2 inches long, making them easy to distinguish from true crickets.
- They are light yellow to orange with dark bands and do not have wings.
- Females lay eggs in soil. Nymphs molt repeatedly, and the lifecycle may take up to about two years.
- They spend much of the day underground or hidden beneath objects and are most often active above ground at night or after rain or heavy irrigation.
- Common daytime hiding places include: Rocks Branches Cracks Bricks Wood
- They normally remain outdoors. An occasional individual that wanders inside can usually be removed and relocated; Jerusalem crickets do not feed on fabrics and generally do not require pest-control treatment.
Cricket management
How Cricket Infestations Are Controlled
The right approach begins with identifying the cricket and locating the areas that support its activity. Treatment should match the species, infestation level, and property conditions.
Inspect and Identify
Check floor-level hiding places such as cracks, logs, stones, boxes, and trash cans. Indoors, inspect cabinets near pipes or sinks, closets, and other dark or sheltered areas to determine the location and extent of activity.
Remove Harborage and Exclude
Reduce weeds, plant debris, clutter, wood, and other sheltered hiding places. Seal foundation cracks and install tight-fitting door sweeps to limit access beneath exterior doors.
Apply Targeted Treatment
When warranted, appropriately labeled bait or a residual liquid treatment may be applied to the structure's perimeter, known infested areas, and commonly used harborage locations.
Monitor and Follow Up
Recheck activity areas, remove individual indoor crickets when practical, and adjust exclusion, sanitation, or treatment based on the results.
Detailed prevention guide
Explore Our Cricket IPM Plan
Learn more about identification, inspection, prevention, monitoring, and integrated cricket-management strategies for San Diego properties.
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