Crickets
A group of insects, comprising House Crickets (Acheta domestica, , Field Crickets (Acheta campestris), and Mole Crickets (Gryllotalpa vulgaris). The Orthoptera, to which the Crickets belong, do not undergo a complete metamorphosis. The female bears an ovipositor, composed of four narrow elastic blades. By means of this, she is enabled to deposit her eggs in the ground, or elsewhere, in the most suitable places. The larvae, when hatched, differ very little in general appearance from the perfect insect; indeed, they are perfectly formed, except in having no trace of wings. This fact explains how it is that we find, associated together, individuals differing much in size, and but slightly in appearance. The Field Cricket differs from the House Cricket in being somewhat larger, stouter, and darker. It lives in fields or banks, in burrows of considerable depth. If troublesome, it may be caught by pushing a straw into the burrow; the insect usually seizes the intruding body, and may be dragged out by it. To garden plants, the Mole Cricket is far more hurtful than the other kinds. Crickets can be destroyed by the methods mentioned for Cockroaches. For eradicating both these insects, various preparations are sold. Where poisons would be objectionable, fresh Rhubarb leaves, or oatmeal and salt, will be found useful, as will also Carbolic Acid, poured into their holes.