Parts of Texas Are Experiencing An Outbreak of Black Crickets

Have you noticed more black crickets around your house or business? If you have, you probably aren't the only one as black crickets tend to be seen in larger numbers as summer transitions to fall. But some areas of Texas are already being overrun by the insect.

The Dallas Morning News reported today that portions of North Texas are seeing an outbreak of crickets known as black crickets, field crickets, or black field crickets. Outbreaks have also been reported in Central and East Texas.

When Do Cricket Numbers Jump?

According to the Dallas Morning News and the Texas Agrilife Extension, black cricket outbreaks normally happen after a dry spring and summer. The largest population of crickets happen in August and September. Outbreaks can happen after a good amount of rain falls.

According to KCENTV.com, changes in temperature and moisture creates the activity among crickets. Also, cricket eggs hatch in the fall and in parts of Texas, egg populations are expected to be very high.

Are Black Crickets Harmful?

The Dallas Morning News says that large swarms of black crickets can have an unpleasant odor, but other than that, crickets are crickets and they aren't harmful to humans. No one really likes walking through swarms of crickets and hate when they get inside your home, but crickets overall are good for the ecosystem.

How To Keep Crickets Away

You probably won't be able to keep them all away, but some tips offered by KCEN include:

2. Regularly maintain your yard.

3. Seal all parts of your home.

There's no guarantee that all of Texas will see an outbreak, but numbers could be higher than normal throughout Texas.