I'm sure you can all tell, this humble little critter is a cricket. It's that time of year again! I have never found a way to avoid having a few of them invade my home.
I have nothing against crickets. They are relatively harmless critters - although, if they are trapped inside long enough, they will find things to gnaw on that you'd really rather they didn't. I won't kill them. Whenever I find one indoors, I trap it under a cup and carry it outside again. But occasionally one will get into an inaccessible corner or under a large, heavy piece of furniture that I can't move, and will then serenade me all night long. That can be really annoying!
This particular cricket was my first for the season. I was lying in bed late one night, when I looked over toward the bedroom door, and there in the nightlight from the hallway I saw this fat little guy, making his way into my room. I got up, and trapped him under a small plastic bowl. I wasn't ready to run outside with him, so thought I'd leave him until morning. A few minutes later, he had found his way out from under the bowl, and was headed back into my room.
I got up once again, trapped him again, and this time placed a heavy wrought iron doorstop on top of the bowl. Very soon, he was out again. Now I went through the routine a third time, but slid a smooth piece of metal under the bowl with him inside, and once again weighted it down. I moved the whole thing out to the kitchen, near the back door.
In the morning I dressed, and headed into the kitchen. The bowl was empty. How did this little bitty guy manage to wiggle out from under the bowl and the weight? I think he must be Super Cricket! I looked around. Found him! He was headed back into my bedroom! Come on now! This time I threw him outside, where he sat, glaring at me, waiting his chance to get back inside.
For the rest of the season I think I will get dressed if necessary, and put out any of his brothers or cousins who show up in my room.
And, speaking of bugs - does anyone know what this one is? He was clin
ging to my screen door for two days.
I don't recall seeing one like this before.
And yes, he was as white as this. I didn't use a flash.
Camera Critters is a fun meme. If you want to participate or just have a look at all the pictures of critters, large and small, go to Misty's site here.
