As many as three generations may be produced per year in southern areas. Winter is spent in the egg stage in cold climates and also as nymphs in warmer areas. Under cool conditions, crickets can be kept alive for an extended period of time. Adult males chirp to mark territory and attract females. Chicken laying mash or dry dog food is excellent feed for raising crickets.
Crickets spend the day in warm, dark cracks and crevices and emerge at night to feed.
Outdoors, high numbers of crickets can damage garden plants. Indoors, crickets can damage natural and synthetic fabrics, furs and carpeting. Crickets are one of the more effective baits for sunfish, bluegill and catfish. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.