Big wet leads to cricket plague

Broome is experiencing larger than average numbers of Black Field Crickets as well as a prolonged season around town.

The jet black hoppers which are 2cm to 4cm long usually hide in vegetation or cracks in soil during the day before feeding on decaying plants and insect remains at night.

Brett's Pest Management owner/operator Brett Murray said he had received a number of calls about the critters which have prolonged their usual season by at least three weeks.

Department of Agriculture and Food entomologist Geoff Strickland said this year’s wet season is mostly likely to blame for the increased presence of Teleogryllus commodus.

“They are sort of a wet season thing, building up in the wet – what I guess has happened this year, knowing that it’s been a really good season in Broome that those seasonal conditions have caused a build-up in numbers,” he said.

“But they also fly at night and are attracted to light such as houses around towns – they are going to be pretty attracted to them when they get on the wing, which probably has a fair bit to do with it as well.”