Crickets invade San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – Crickets are invading the San Antonio area. If they’re not around your home, you’ll probably see them at department stores, gas stations or schools.  It’s not a sign that the end is near.

“It’s not uncommon to see giant populations like this from time to time. I think the last big cricket population bloom we had was in 2012,” said Molly Keck, entomologist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Bexar County.

She says the hot, dry weather this summer protected the eggs from fungal diseases.

“Then we had a good amount of rain that interrupted that dry weather and now it’s cooled down, and those are the three perfect conditions in that order,” Keck told KTSA News.

She says they’re attracted to large buildings with lights.

“Generally it’s light-colored buildings or buildings that leave their lights on overnight, so shopping centers are really popular for them as well as gas stations and movie theaters,” said Keck.

UTSA sent out a tweet about the insects. “We are aware of the current cricket situation on campus, ‘Runners. @UTSAFacilities is working on finding a solution for our chirping visitors. Thanks for your patience. Please refrain from feeding the crickets – they aren’t as friendly as the squirrels. #UTSA”

UTSA: Meal plan is $3000
Me: No thx………. Cricket szn is here #utsa #CricketNation #crickets #food #africans #collegelife #UTSA23 pic.twitter.com/2dRAaiKz66

— Inno-Inno Promotion (@inno_inno_promo) October 9, 2019

Crickets are a nuisance, but they won’t hurt you. However, they can spread bacteria.

“If they crawl across a surface that has bacteria, they can move that bacteria, but if you think about it, our own feet will do the same thing” said Keck.

If you don’t want them around your home, turn off the outside lights, shut the blinds and close the drapes.