Crickets in Tennessee | Pest ID Guide
Crickets in Tennessee: Quick Facts
Four kinds of crickets cause most problems around Tennessee homes. Camel crickets fill damp basements, house and field crickets chirp from inside walls and chew fabrics, and mole crickets tunnel under lawns. None are dangerous, but they can be a noisy, messy nuisance.- Camel crickets: Humpbacked, long-legged, and silent; live in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. camel cricket guide
- House crickets: Light yellowish-brown chirpers drawn to warmth and light. house cricket guide
- Field crickets: Dark brown to black; invade in large numbers in late summer and fall. field cricket guide
- Mole crickets: Velvety brown burrowers with shovel-like front legs that tunnel through lawns.
How to Tell Crickets Apart
- Wings and chirping: House and field crickets have wings and chirp. Camel crickets are wingless and silent.
- Shape: Camel crickets have a strongly arched back and extremely long legs and antennae.
- Color: House crickets are light tan with dark bands on the head; field crickets are dark brown to black.
- Crickets vs. grasshoppers: Grasshoppers have short antennae and are active in the day. Crickets have long antennae and are mostly active at night.
Mole Crickets
Mole crickets spend most of their lives underground, tunneling just below the surface and feeding on roots and small insects. Their tunnels leave raised, spongy ridges and brown patches in lawns. They rarely come indoors.
Why Crickets Come Inside
Crickets follow warmth, moisture, and light. Field crickets move toward buildings in late summer and fall as temperatures drop, house crickets are drawn to lights at night, and camel crickets seek out cool, damp basements and crawl spaces year-round.
Damage and Nuisance
- Chewed fabrics and paper: House and field crickets may chew clothing, especially soiled items, plus paper and cardboard.
- Noise: Chirping inside walls or under furniture can keep people awake.
- Numbers: Camel crickets can build up in damp basements and garages.
- Harmless to people: Crickets don’t bite, sting, or spread disease.
How to Keep Crickets Out
- Seal gaps: Add weatherstripping and door sweeps, and seal foundation cracks and utility openings.
- Use yellow outdoor bulbs: Standard white lights attract more crickets and other insects.
- Reduce moisture: Dehumidify basements and address damp crawl spaces; see crawl space encapsulation.
- Clear the perimeter: Move woodpiles, debris, and dense vegetation away from the foundation.
- Set sticky traps: Place them along basement and garage walls to catch camel crickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of crickets are in my house?
In Tennessee, it’s usually camel crickets in basements and crawl spaces, or house and field crickets drawn in by light and warmth.
Are crickets harmful?
They don’t bite, sting, or spread disease, but some chew fabrics and paper, and their chirping can be a nuisance.
Why are there so many crickets in my basement?
Camel crickets thrive in cool, damp basements and crawl spaces. Reducing moisture and sealing gaps helps.
Why do crickets come inside in the fall?
Field crickets move toward buildings as temperatures drop, looking for warmth and shelter.
What are mole crickets?
Burrowing crickets that tunnel through lawns and damage turf. They rarely come indoors.
