House cricket vs Fall field cricket
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a house cricket from a fall field cricket, and whether either one bites or stings.
House cricket
Acheta domesticus
Fall field cricket
Gryllus pennsylvanicus
≠The key differences
House crickets are paler tan to brown (not black) and smaller; their song and general habitat (indoors) differ.
⚖︎Side by side
| House cricket | Fall field cricket | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 16-21 mm body length | 16-25 mm body length (adults) |
| Colours | Tan, Light brown, Dark brown | Black, Dark brown |
| Family | Gryllidae | Gryllidae |
| Habitat | Warm, sheltered places in and around buildings, basements, garages, compost heaps, greenhouses and garden debris. | Fields, meadows, lawns, forest edges, road verges; often near stones, logs or low vegetation; may enter buildings in fall. |
| Range | Originally Eurasian; now cosmopolitan where humans provide warm refuges — widespread in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and other regions. | Widespread in eastern and central North America; ranges across many US states and southern Canada. |
| Active | Mostly active at night; peak activity in warm months and in heated buildings year-round in temperate zones. | Late spring to fall; adults most abundant late summer and fall; primarily nocturnal (active at night). |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a house cricket
- Length about 16-21 mm, pale tan to brown body with long filamentous antennae.
- Males produce a steady chirping song by rubbing forewings together; listen for this at night.
- Females have a visible straight ovipositor extending from the rear; males lack an ovipositor.
- Wings usually overlap the abdomen; hind legs are large for jumping.
🔍How to spot a fall field cricket
- Large, mostly black cricket 16-25 mm body length with long antennae
- Males produce a loud, steady trilling song at night (listen from nearby vegetation or ground)
- Females have a straight ovipositor projecting from the rear
- Adults are active late summer into fall and are more likely to enter buildings at that time
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a house cricket and a fall field cricket?
House crickets are paler tan to brown (not black) and smaller; their song and general habitat (indoors) differ.
Is a house cricket or a fall field cricket more dangerous?
House cricket: Non-toxic. Fall field cricket: Non-toxic. House crickets do not have venom and rarely bite; a bite would be minor and uncommon. Fall field crickets are not venomous or disease vectors.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.