Millions of Swarming Crickets Are Set to Invade Central Texas

If you're one of those people who hates critters or insects and you live in the Bell County area, the only thing I can suggest now that we're in the month of August is... move. Because an invasion is on its way.

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Central Texas Hit With Warning Ahead of Expected Mass Cricket Influx

I've lived in Central Texas, in the Killeen-Temple area, for most of my life, and this is the time of year when I become the most paranoid. Not because school is starting again. Not because Halloween is around the corner. Not even because the holidays are approaching. It's because of the annual invasion of crickets.

When Will Central Texas Face Another Major Cricket Swarm?

From August through November, the cricket takeover in Bell County is truly disturbing. If you're not from here, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. But for the locals? Oh, we're well aware that these creepy-crawly critters are about to make their way through our cities. When you're leaving a restaurant, the gym, a movie theater, or just about anywhere with bright lights, especially a parking lot, you're probably going to see hundreds of crickets. You'd think that after living here for more than a decade, I'd be used to it, but nope. This annual surge is still enough to make my skin crawl.

Are The Crickets Harmful?

People ask all the time, "Why does this happen every year?" The answer is actually pretty simple. It's a combination of biological timing, Texas weather, and soil conditions. While much of the country starts cooling down, Central Texas is often still warm and comfortable, creating the perfect environment for crickets to thrive. Ever since I watched Mulan, I've looked at crickets a little differently, so I never harm them. I can't tell you what to do when you see one, but the truth is they're harmless. Usually, if you don't bother them, they won't bother you. There are just so many of them that it can be a little unsettling.