As summer turns to fall, North Texas is seeing a notable outbreak of black crickets.
In English: Black cricket sightings in North Texas jump. Here’s what you need to know.
This insect becomes one of the most widespread pests at this time of year in most of the state, according to Texas Agrilife Extension.
Belonging to the genus similar to GryllusThese crickets are commonly known as field crickets or black field crickets, and remain poorly studied.
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But here’s what scientists know about them:
What is causing the outbreak?
Crickets outside the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas.(Photo credit by Reddit user)
Outbreaks tend to occur after dry springs and summers, with the largest populations seen in August and September, and especially after periods of heavy rain, said Michael Merchant, who has written about the insects in an article for Texas Agrilife Extension.
Field crickets lay their eggs in the fall and tend to prefer bare ground. A single female is capable of producing between 150 and 400 eggs.
The eggs survive the winter in the ground and hatch in the spring.
Although field crickets primarily live outdoors, they occasionally find their way into homes and can become a nuisance.
Do they hurt?
Their presence can be annoying because in large swarms they produce an unpleasant odor.
Experts say that to control the cricket population, it is important to limit outdoor lights because they are attracted to bright lights during their mating season.
To do?
Using insecticides is not ideal for controlling them because they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, experts say.
Insects help break down organic matter and recycle dead plant matter, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Instead of using insecticides, crickets can be repelled with certain essences such as mint, lavender, lemongrass and vinegar, pest control experts advise.
Applying essential oils or natural repellents with these scents around your home can deter crickets from entering.
Black crickets at 400 Olive Street in Dallas on September 24, 2024.(Chitose Suzuki / Staff Photographer)
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