Buzz
The rhythmic chirping of grasshoppers and crickets outdoors enhances the summer atmosphere. However, when these sounds echo inside your home, they quickly become a nuisance. Although less intimidating than spiders, encountering these insects indoors can still be unsettling.
If you stumbled upon one in your closet, could you identify whether it was a grasshopper or a cricket? Learn how to differentiate between the two and discover effective strategies to keep them from entering your home during the fall season.
Key distinctions between grasshoppers and crickets
While grasshoppers and crickets may appear alike, they are distinct insects, though both fall under the Orthoptera order. Below are some key distinctions to help you differentiate between them:
Crickets typically sport long antennae, whereas grasshoppers have shorter ones
Grasshoppers possess bulkier bodies compared to crickets
Crickets are most active at dusk, while grasshoppers are daytime creatures
Crickets produce their signature chirp by rubbing their wings together; grasshoppers create sound by rubbing their hind legs against their wings
All grasshoppers have wings and most can fly, but only certain crickets are winged
Grasshoppers are primarily herbivores, while crickets are omnivores
Crickets are usually brown or black, whereas grasshoppers blend into their surroundings, often appearing bright green like foliage
Effective ways to prevent grasshoppers and crickets from entering your home
As temperatures drop, grasshoppers and crickets, like many insects, seek warm shelters—and your home might seem inviting. Although both may venture indoors during winter, crickets are more prone to invading your living space.
Unlike grasshoppers, which prefer feasting on garden plants, crickets can damage clothing, floorboards, and furniture, making them unwelcome guests. The best approach is to stop them from entering altogether, and the same methods work for both insects. These include:
Apply weatherstripping or similar materials to seal gaps under doors or around windows
Fix any tears or holes in window or door screens
Close off cracks or openings in your home's foundation
Avoid placing firewood directly against the exterior walls
Cut back tall weeds and grasses near the house
