The trend of cockroaches vs. crickets is never-ending. People are looking all over the internet to ensure they have the correct information on how a cockroach looks and how to differentiate them from other bugs, such as crickets or grasshoppers.
Well, imagine this – you are walking around your kitchen and suddenly find a bunch of scurrying insects, and you must have wondered in surprise or shock – “What was that?”
Halt people! Was that just harmless little crickets or the beginning of cockroach infestation? In this article, we will discuss all the differences between a cockroach and a cricket. This will help you understand these creatures and take the necessary steps as per the evaluation.
Let us get into the cockroaches vs. crickets differentiation!
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – The Table
We have created a gist of the differences between the cockroaches and the crickets to ensure you know all about them –
| Points | Cockroaches | Crickets |
| Size | 1.5 to 2 inches long | 0.2 – 2 inches long |
| Shape | Usually are of cylindrical body | Wider and have more oval-shaped body |
| Color | Usually red, brown, black, and green | Brown, gray, reddish brown, tan |
| Wings | Wings cover the entire thorax. However, some of them don’t use it to fly | Wings does not entirely cover their thorax |
| Legs | 6 uniform legs | 6 legs – 2 very large angled legs for smooth jumping |
| Sound | They do not make noise. However, some of them hiss (depending upon the species) | Loud chirping noise made by males (mostly) |
| Human Interaction | Makes a shelter in the areas where human live – causing infestation | Rarely infests the house |
| Bite | Rarely bites. But when they do, it is because of the food shortage | Usually they do not bite |
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Elaborated Difference
You can identify a cricket and a cockroach by looking at their color, body – shape, and size, wings. Crickets have more color variants than that of a cockroach. Also, their body shape differs along with their wings. Below are some of the differences between them to understand the fact of cockroaches vs. crickets –
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Size
Cockroaches and crickets can grow up to 2 inches long. However, in the growing process, the cockroaches look bigger than the crickets. As a nymph, the cockroaches are about 1.5 inches long, whereas the crickets are about 0.2 inches long. Though as an adult, the size is almost the same, crickets can stand tall in front of a cockroach. Their long legs also help them to jump higher.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Shape
Cockroaches are much broader and wider as compared to crickets. If you look closely at a cockroach, you will find its body to be oval-shaped, and in the case of crickets, its body is slightly elongated.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Color
Cockroaches are usually tan, brown, reddish brown, or black in color. On the other hand, the crickets are green, red, brown, and black. However, differentiating between the two can be difficult based on their color.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Wings
Cockroach wings cover the thorax and also extend far beyond that. Whereas a cricket’s wing does not completely cover the thorax. Instead, the wings fold over the thorax. So, if you ever see an insect with its body completely covered with wings – it is the cockroach.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Legs
Cockroaches have 6 legs that are uniform in length. Whereas crickets have 6 legs with two angled legs used for jumping and escaping predators. However, cockroaches don’t have such legs – making them potential prey.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Sound
Very rare cockroaches, like – the Madagascar cockroaches, make hissing sounds. The rest of the species is not known to cause any kind of sound or noise. However, on rare occasions, crickets (males) are said to make a chirping noise.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Human Interaction
Cockroaches manifest in the human population as they need food to sustain and survive. However, crickets tend to avoid humans as they consider them predators.
Cockroaches Vs. Crickets – Bites
Cockroaches do bite people when there is a shortage of food. Else, they don’t bother humans and also do not pose a threat to them. However, crickets bite people, causing red bumps.
Conclusion
Cockroaches and crickets can sometimes look similar. Hence, with the help of the differences mentioned above, you can easily distinguish between cockroaches vs. crickets. Once you identify the cockroaches that cause infestation, it is time to take necessary precautions to ensure your home is clean and free from infestation.
FAQs
Q1. Will cockroaches eat crickets?
Ans. Cockroaches prefer dead crickets as they feed on dead organisms. However, they love feeding on the bedbugs and their eggs.
Q2. What animals kill cockroaches?
Ans. Skinks, geckos, frogs, lizards, turtles, birds, and other mammals, avians, and amphibians usually kill cockroaches.
Q3. Are cockroaches better than crickets?
Ans. Many feeders prefer roaches because they are rich in calcium and have more protein than crickets. Also, they have low-fat content – making them delicious meals for predators.
Q4. Is crushing cockroaches a good idea?
Ans. As per the WHO, crushing a cockroach is not advisable because of hygiene. This is because crushing them would cause the spread of bacteria which can lead to several illnesses and diseases, such as – allergies, asthma, etc.
