This common cricket is about 1 ¼ inches long, with short wings and black. The female has a pointed tail. It is the most common cricket in the fall. The adults are active and chirping during early evening.

(Gryllus spp.) The eggs hatch in spring and the nymphs develop slowly during the summer. They feed on plant material in the lawn or fields around houses. The adults appear in the fall and are often found outside of buildings on cold days. They may come inside through doors or windows.

Limit the mulch or protective vegetation on the sunny side of house to keep crickets from coming there. Spray the soil around the perimeter of the house with a garden insecticide to discourage crickets.