Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Field Cricket	Gryllus spp	Insecta	Orthoptera	Gryllidae

	Size:
	Adults are 1/2 to 1-1/8 inches (13-30 mm) long.
	Characteristics:
	Threadlike, long slender antennae are much longer than body; wings lay flat on back; long feeler-like appendages at end of abdomen; female has long tube-like egg laying structure (ovipositor), at tip of abdomen.
	Color:
	Typically black, but varying to brownish yellow or straw yellow.
	Where Found:
	Throughout North and South America; about 25 species in the U.S.
	Comparison:
	House Crickets are light yellow-brown, with 3 dark bands on head. Cave (also known as Camel or Stone) Crickets have a "humpback" and are wingless; antennae almost touch at base; first hind leg section is long. Jerusalem Crickets are large, wingless; first hind leg section is short, does not extend beyond tip of abdomen. Mole Crickets have broad spade-like front legs and antennae that are much shorter than body.
	Habitat:
	Outdoors in moist places.
	Food:
	Plants and insects, including other crickets.
	Biology:
	Usually overwinter as eggs, depending on species, but may overwinter as mid to late stage nymphs. Females lay 150-400 eggs singly in firm, moist soil. Development from egg to adult typically takes 80-90 days, with 8-9 instars (stages) of nymphs; 1-3 generations per year.
	Damage:
	Extremely damaging to field crops, such as wheat, oats, alfalfa, and rye; as well as to vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. This insect can create huge swarms that sweep through regions of the Midwest and South. May chew into fabrics, such as wool, linen, cotton, silk, or man-made fibers; as well as fur and leather. Soiled fabrics are especially vulnerable.
	Invasion:
	Do not live very long indoors, and usually die by winter. Can enter through small crevices and openings in a building.
	Control:
	Males chirp both day and night in most species by rubbing their front wings together, for the purpose of attracting a female. Reduce the amount of un-mowed grass and weeds and move wood piles away from the structure. Inspect for and seal entry points around windows, doors, and other openings found. Install screens on windows and doors. Use a vacuum inside in lieu of a pesticide application. In some cases, treatment of cracks and crevices may be necessary. Registered baits work well if found in attic areas. Exterior applications of liquid residual pesticides, dusts or registered baits around the base of homes will contact the insect before they can enter. Repeated applications may be necessary over the summer months.