Are you finding black crickets around your Texas home? How to deal with them this fall
The fall season is bringing cool weather to North Texas, but is also ushering in cricket season.
Most North Texans have likely seen black field crickets hanging outside their home or car. The insects like to bundle together around an outdoor light source, as seen in the video below from Dallas Texas TV.
While an abundance of crickets jumping around North Texas may seem like a scene from a horror film, it’s actually normal for this time of the year, according to Texas AgriLife Extension.
Here’s what to know about cricket season in Texas:
When is cricket season in Texas?
The late summer and fall periods are when crickets become more prevalent around homes and buildings, according to Texas AgriLife Extension.
Most of the crickets out and about are part of the Gryllus assimilis complex, and are commonly refereed to as either black field crickets, or field crickets.
Large cricket outbreaks tend to occur during years of dry springs and summers, according to Texas AgriLife Extension. Cricket outbreaks are especially prevalent in August and September as cooler weather and rainfall increases.
Temperatures in North Texas have cooled this week to the 80s, after previous weeks of 90 degree weather.
Why are there so many crickets?
A single female cricket can lay up to 400 eggs, according to Texas AgriLife Extension.
During fall, field crickets lay their eggs around two weeks after females mature and develop wings. Eggs remain planted in bare soil throughout the winter season and hatch the following spring.
Once an egg hatches, cricket nymphs are born and require about three months to become adults. After reaching adulthood, crickets are able to jump and mate.
Cricket outbreaks are known to occur when nymphs become adults and venture out at night to mate.
Are crickets dangerous to humans?
No, crickets do not pose a threat to humans, according to pest control company 855 Bugs.
Crickets will not bite or sting humans, however, the insects could munch on carpet and fabrics. Outside the home, crickets could also take a bite out of plants and leaves.
Since crickets lay their eggs outdoors, homeowners don’t have to worry about anything growing in their residence.
Are there ways to prevent crickets from entering homes?
Yes, 855 bugs recommends the following tips:
- Dim or turn off outdoor lights.
- Close blinds and curtains when using indoor lighting at night.
- Look around the home for potential access points.
- Make sure all doors have weatherstripping.
- Call pest control if the situation gets unmanageable.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024 at 11:02 AM.
