Several cricket species inhabit the northeast United States. These species include the two-spotted tree cricket, the red-headed bush cricket, the spotted camel cricket, the northern mole cricket and a few species of common field and house crickets. Any of these cricket species can be found indoors, as crickets dwell anywhere where grass, shrubs and other forms of vegetation can be found. The crickets most commonly found indoors include house, field, and spotted camel crickets. During the 19th century, a non-native cricket species established a habitat in the US. This cricket species, Diestrammena asynamora, was not considered to be a widespread species in the US, and they were believed to maintain a near constant presence in greenhouses. This species was naturally dubbed “the greenhouse cricket,” and recent research conducted by citizens scientists all over the US has found that these crickets now outnumber Americans in the country. In fact, this cricket is found in US homes more often than their native counterparts.
The greenhouse cricket is found in houses located in most eastern states and a few midwestern states. Much like the native spotted camel cricket species, the greenhouse cricket is often found within basements, and they are a common sight in Massachusetts yards and houses. The recent study was initiated by a cricket taxonomist after he spotted a greenhouse cricket specimen in a colleague’s home. During the study, more than 50 greenhouse cricket specimens were collected in traps within one single yard in a mere two days, and the study’s authors believe that this species has adapted to living alongside humans. While the greenhouse cricket is not harmful to humans, they infest homes in large numbers where their presence may become a nuisance to homeowners. Although crickets may be noisy, their indoor presence may be of benefit to residents, as they consume debris that accumulates within homes, including insect carcasses and insect feces, which can serve as indoor allergens.
Have large number of crickets ever established a presence within your home?