CRICKETS

The Field Cricket is the most common variety in our area, but in certain areas of Fort Worth we are seeing invasions of the Camel Cricket. These are commonly referred to as Hump Back Crickets. We especially see these in Westover Hills, Forrest Park and South Side areas.

Field Crickets are present most of the year and invade our homes and offices in the late Summer and Fall months. They are attracted by lights and sometimes invade us by the tens of thousands. They walk, run, jump and fly right into our lives. Problems certainly exist where structures are surrounded by fields. Field Crickets get inside and one cricket may annoy you with his chirping, until you track him down and evict him. They make this chirping noise by the friction of the upper wings being rubbed together. It's easy to eliminate the ones in and around your premises, but they just keep coming from adjacent untreated areas. Field crickets indoors will eat materials and clothing like cotton, linen, silk and furs. Outdoors they feed on other insects and plants.

Camel Crickets are tan to dark brown and look strange, with their humped back. These crickets are found outdoors, in basements, under buildings, in attics and inside of homes. They may be present in very large numbers. They are easy to kill with any labeled insecticide, but are hard to control since they just keep coming from adjacent untreated areas. They prefer cool, damp areas. Camel Crickets feed on cloths, curtains and are excellent jumpers.

Mole crickets are also found in our area. They are not in this area, in as large of numbers, as the previously mentioned crickets. They can be easily identified by the diggers or webbed looking front feet and feed in the lawn. They feed on tender roots of plants, earthworms and larva of many insects. More of a problem pest the Southeast U. S.

Cricket Control: Treatment outdoors is essential. Treat wherever these insects are found such as inside, attics, closets, basements, etc. This is one of the nine pest we control on our Quarterly Pest Program. Call (817) 834-3121 to schedule an appointment.

Homeowner Control: Harborage removal, reduce outdoor lighting, keeping lawn well mowed and treat outdoors with proper baits, sprays or granules. Some insect baits are very effective, in the control of crickets. Some country towns turn off their downtown lights, when crickets are invading. Reducing lighting is essential, in peak seasons.