The most common crickets are field crickets, which are shiny black and range from ¼ to ¾ of an inch, and house crickets, which are usually about the same size but are brown. These insects have large hind legs that enable them to jump. Males make a loud chirping or singing sound.

Cricket eggs hatch in spring or early summer. The nymphs mature into adults, which live only six to eight weeks. Adults don't survive the cold of fall and winter. Field crickets are usually found in fields, pastures, and meadows, and nearer the house in areas with tall grass or weeds and mulch. House crickets prefer warm, moist areas and can be found, even in winter, near the furnace, water heater, kitchen or fireplace.

The male cricket produces a song during mating season by rubbing its wings together. Crickets remain in hiding during the day and come out to feed at night. They usually eat grasses and weeds but can cause damage to cultivated plants. When crickets move indoors, they can be destructive, feeding on fabrics, such as cotton, silk or wool; leather; and fur.

Begin controlling crickets by reducing the outdoor places they live - mow tall weeds and grass, remove weeds, woodpiles and heavily mulched areas near your house. To keep crickets from moving indoors, seal gaps and holes in the foundation, siding, windows, doors and screens. If necessary treat outdoor areas with an insecticide labeled for crickets.