Aderyn Pest Control

Cricket Infestations

Distantly related to the cockroach, true crickets belong to the family of insects called Gryllidae. There are three species native to Britain. Only Acheta domesticus is liable to invade ducting, buildings, and boiler houses.

  • Acheta domesticus (house cricket)
  • Gryllus campestris (field cricket)
  • Nemobius sylvestris (ground cricket)

Crickets have long antennae and the females long ovipositors. Wings are carried flat on the back and folded down over the sides. The males chirp and both sexes jump. Crickets exhibit incomplete metamorphism. Crickets do not pose a health hazard, but are a nuisance with their presence and noise. Colonies in rubbish dumps can migrate into houses, causing great distress. They are also prone to damage fabric, paper, and foodstuffs.

Look for the following signs.

  • Cast nymphal skins
  • Noisy chirruping (usually in the evening)
  • Droppings (ridged and very distinct)
  • Insect fragments
  • Damaged food/paper