Whether you have crickets on the hearth or in the basement, they can damage fabrics, papers and leather. Field crickets are 1/2 to an inch in length and vary in color from light brown to black. Their antennae are longer than their bodies. Also, their hind legs are very long.

Most cricket eggs are laid in the fall in damp soil, each female laying 150-400 eggs. They hatch in the spring, becoming adults in late July and early August. Some crickets over winter as immatures, becoming adults in late May. Their eggs are laid in June.

Crickets feed on seeds, seedlings, fruits and dead and dying insects that they find under the leaves, trash and other debris where they hide. Indoors, they can feed on nylon wool, plastic fibers, leather, paper, rubber, cotton, linen and fur, especially if perspiration or food residues are present.

Cold weather and lack of food outdoors cause these insects to enter the house through cracks and crevices along foundations. They do not usually live very long indoors, but can cause feeding damage before they die out in early winter. It's their annoying chirping that really causes problems to most homeowners.

Keep crickets out of the home by caulking cracks and crevices in the foundation. Make sure doors and windows are tight. While storing items inside for the winter, check boxes, hoses, furniture and other outdoor items.

Keep weeds and grass mowed around the house to a 2-inch level.

It is also recommended that the outside foundation of the house be sprayed with an insecticide to the point of runoff. Spray a 6-inch band of soil next to the foundation and also behind concrete steps and other structures that touch the foundation.

Insecticides can be sprayed along baseboards and into cracks and crevices to eliminate crickets that have already entered the house. Contact the local Extension office for the current recommended products.

Do not apply a foundation spray if a well or cistern is near the foundation. Wash with soap and water after using pesticides. Always follow pesticide label directions to effectively control the pest and not endanger yourself or the environment.