Crickets, known for their distinctive chirping sounds, can be both fascinating and annoying. It never fails that when one of your kids learns how to catch crickets with their homemade insect nets, they inevitably lose at least one within the sanctuary of your home. It can take weeks to find the little stealth chirper. And that’s if there is only one.

While their nighttime serenades can be charming in small doses, a cricket infestation can become problematic, especially when they invade homes or nearby gardens.

Whether you’re dealing with a cricket problem or want to study these insects up close, understanding how to catch crickets effectively can be some great information to keep in your back pocket.

Different species of crickets may require different approaches when it comes to capturing them. Some of the most common species of crickets in New Jersey include:

House Crickets (Acheta domesticus)

• Appearance: House crickets are small, measuring about 3/4 to 1 inch in length. They have a light brown to tan color with three dark bands on their heads, and their bodies are slender and elongated topped off with long antennae and long legs for jumping.
• Habitat: House crickets are commonly found in warm, dark, and moist areas within homes. They are often attracted to spaces where food crumbs or organic matter accumulate, such as in kitchens, basements, and attics. They can also be found in cluttered spots where they can hide easily. If you are looking for tips on how to catch crickets, start with checking these areas to find your culprit.

Field Crickets (Gryllus pennsylvanicus)

• Appearance: Field crickets typically measure between 1 and 1.5 inches in length. They are dark brown to black with a somewhat shiny, smooth body. Their wings are long and extend beyond the abdomen, which distinguishes them from other cricket species. Field crickets have long, slender legs that are perfect for powerful jumping and large antennae used for navigating their environment.

• Habitat: Unlike house crickets, field crickets are predominantly outdoor insects. Field crickets prefer open, grassy areas and thrive in environments with tall grass and abundant ground cover which provide them with shelter and food. These crickets create burrows or seek out natural crevices to nest in and lay eggs.

Tree Crickets (Oecanthus species pluralis)

• Appearance: Tree crickets range in length from about 1/2 inch to 1 inch. They are slender and elongated with long, delicate legs and antennae. Tree crickets typically have light green to brown bodies which help them blend into their leafy or grassy environments. Their wings are long, narrow, and often translucent with visible veining. Because of their coloring, they know how to stay camouflaged, but they are slower than many of their cousins. This means that if you figure out the right ways to catch crickets, you could host your own cricket farewell party pretty quickly.

• Habitat: These crickets prefer environments with ample vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, and tall grasses. They are commonly found in these areas during the warmer months and are more active at night.

Egg Stage: Crickets lay eggs in soil or spots where they can stay hidden and keep their young safe. The egg stage lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the species and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Nymph Stage: After hatching, crickets enter the nymph stage which lasts for several weeks to a few months. Nymphs resemble adult crickets but are smaller and lack fully developed wings. They molt multiple times during this stage, gradually growing and developing into adult crickets.

Adult Stage: Once crickets reach adulthood, their lifespan varies based on factors such as species, diet, and environmental conditions. Adult lifespans depend on the type of crickets you’re dealing with:

• Field crickets typically live for about 8 to 12 weeks.
• House crickets generally have a lifespan of 2 to 3 months.
• Tree crickets can live approximately 3 to 4 months.

Hot Take: If you still haven’t been successful using the tips you’ve researched on how to catch crickets, the good news is that they don’t live more than about 3 months.

Feeding Habits: Crickets are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic materials. They consume plant matter, fungi, and even other small insects. Their feeding habits play a role in decomposing matter and recycling nutrients back into their ecosystems. Although they are not social insects like ants or bees, crickets do utilize resource sharing of food and shelter.

Crickets are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. The characteristic chirping sound produced by males is a form of courtship, meant to attract females. It can also be used to ward off rivals and establish territory. This sound is created by rubbing their wings together in a process known as stridulation. Interestingly, the frequency of their chirping can also indicate the temperature and season; a higher chirping rate generally correlates with warmer temperatures. If you are on the hunt for the best ways to catch crickets, start by following the sound. You can’t miss it!

While many cricket species are solitary, some exhibit social behavior, particularly during mating. The intensity and frequency of the chirping can indicate a male’s health and vitality, helping females choose suitable mates. Crickets can display complex interactions such as aggressive encounters between males over territorial disputes. These confrontations may involve physical fights or displays of dominance, such as increased chirping or posturing. The outcomes of these interactions help establish hierarchies among males.

Different cricket species have distinct calling patterns and frequencies. These species-specific calls help crickets identify and communicate with members of their own species.

When determining the best ways to catch crickets, it’s always smart to plan ahead. Crickets can be fast and you’ll be chasing thin air if you have to constantly stop to dig through your supplies.

Retail Cricket Traps

Traps with Lures and Pheromones: These box traps are designed with specific lures and/or pheromones that attract crickets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal placement and effectiveness.

Glue Traps: Glue traps have a surface coated with a strong adhesive and have bait which attracts the pests and immobilizes them.

DIY Traps

Bucket Traps: If you want to use a tried and true DIY method to catch crickets, place a large bucket in an area where crickets are active. Attach a ramp, such as a piece of wood, to the side of the bucket. Add your chosen bait inside the bucket and fill it with soapy water. The crickets will climb aboard the ramp, fall into the bucket, and drown.

Light Trap: You will need a light source such as a lamp or lantern and a shallow container. Place the light near the container and fill the container with soapy water. The light will attract the crickets and as they jump towards it, they will fall into the container and drown.

Jar Trap: Using a glass jar with lid, place your bait inside. If possible, cut a good-sized hole into the lid and place on top. Once crickets enter the jar, it is difficult for them to leave due to the smooth walls.

Beer Traps: Crickets are attracted to the smell of beer. Pour a small amount of beer into a shallow dish and place it where crickets are active. The crickets will be drawn to the smell and become trapped.

Gather Proper Supplies

Flashlight/Headlamp: A light is necessary to see and catch crickets at night. Red light is the least invasive to insects.

Container: Commercial traps or DIY containers with lids. Don’t forget to poke holes in a DYI version if you plan to catch and release them.

Tweezers: Tweezers are helpful when transferring crickets to your container.

Bait: Crickets are attracted to fruit like apples and bananas, honey, sugar water, vegetables, and dry grains. You can also use commercial cricket bait which contains pheromones to attract and catch these insects.

Rather than having to deal with how to catch crickets it’s MUCH easier to just prevent them. And not only does prevention help to keep crickets out, but these methods work on most other critters too!

• Inspect and Repair: Crickets can enter homes through small gaps and cracks. Seal these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent crickets from getting inside. Even small cracks can create an entry point for these insects.
• Install Door Sweeps: Fit door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to close gaps and block crickets from sneaking inside. Ensure that doors and windows close tightly and securely.
• Adhesive-Backed Foam: This type of weather stripping consists of a foam strip with an adhesive backing. It is easy to install by simply peeling off the backing and sticking the foam to the edge of the door or window frame. This foam provides a solid seal against drafts.
• V-strip (Vinyl or Plastic): V-strip weather stripping is a flexible material that forms a “V” shape when installed. It is used to seal gaps along the sides of doors and windows. The V shape creates a tight seal and is effective in preventing air leakage.
• Metal Weather Strips: Made of aluminum or brass, metal weather strips are often used for more durable applications. They are typically installed in grooves or channels and provide a long-lasting seal against drafts and weather elements.

• Lawn and vegetation: You might not work too hard on figuring out how to catch crickets outside, but keeping your yard well-maintained is a great way to keep them outside. Be sure vegetation is away from your house. Crickets love to hide in overgrown plants and tall vegetation.
• Remove Debris: Clear piles of leaves, wood, and other debris. Crickets will use these environments for shelter.
• Fix Leaks: Address any outdoor water sources, such as leaky hoses or sprinklers which contribute to excess moisture.
• Improve Drainage: Ensure that your yard has proper drainage to prevent standing water. Crickets are drawn to wet areas, so eliminating these conditions can help deter them from taking up residence.

Your time can be better spent on many things other than on how to catch crickets. Kapture Pest Control is the most effective preventive step you can take for cricket control in northern New Jersey—we know how to protect your home from crickets and all other pests. Our professional pest management offers a plethora of benefits that will improve your quality of life and peace of mind.

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