5 Ways To Catch Crickets - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Catch Crickets PDF download Download Article Catch house crickets humanely Co-authored by Brandon Runyon

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

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  • Newspaper Method
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  • Soda Bottle Method
    • |
  • Duct Tape Method
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  • Toilet Paper Roll Method
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  • Bread Loaf Method
    • |
  • Expert Interview
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  • Expert Q&A
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  • Tips
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Brandon Runyon. Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 502,391 times.

Are you tired of hearing crickets sing and chirp all night long in your basement? Maybe you need to catch some crickets to feed your pet snake or use for fishing bait. There are a number of reasons for catching crickets, and almost as many ways to catch them. If you want to catch crickets by the dozen in no time at all, keep reading.

How to Make a Cricket Trap

Fill a large jar 3/4 of the way full with equal parts white sugar and plain breadcrumbs. Put a small covering over the top, and make a hole so the crickets can get in. Alternatively, cut the top off of a 2 liter soda bottle, fill the bottom with sugar, and put the spout back in upside down.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Catching Crickets with Newspaper

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  1. Step 1 Mix equal amounts of granulated sugar and plain breadcrumbs together. 1 Mix equal amounts of granulated sugar and plain breadcrumbs together. This is cricket food! If you want to catch a few dozen crickets, a cup of sugar and a cup of breadcrumbs should be plenty.[1]
    • Don't use spicy or flavored breadcrumbs. Plain breadcrumbs are best for catching crickets, and extra ingredients might deter them.
    • You can mix up a big batch of sugar and breadcrumbs and store whatever is left over in a jar for later use. This way you can catch more crickets every few days.
  2. Step 2 Sprinkle this mixture on the ground where you have seen crickets congregating. 2 Sprinkle this mixture on the ground where you have seen crickets congregating. This method may be best to use outside, since sprinkling this mixture indoors may draw other pests, like roaches and mice. Sprinkle the mixture at dusk just before the nocturnal crickets will come out to play. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Cover the mixture with a single layer of newspaper. 3 Cover the mixture with a single layer of newspaper. Lay it out over the area where you sprinkled the sugar and breadcrumbs. Use no more than a single layer, since you want the crickets to be able to get underneath it.
  4. Step 4 Choose a large jar with a lid for capturing the crickets. 4 Choose a large jar with a lid for capturing the crickets. Get a big glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Poke holes in the lid if you want to keep the crickets alive once you catch them.[2]
    • There are special containers you can use for storing live crickets. Visit a bait store to check out their options, or look online and order one.
    • You can sprinkle some of the sugar and bread mixture in the jar to keep the crickets fed.
  5. Step 5 Return in the morning before the dew dries. 5 Return in the morning before the dew dries. This is prime time for catching crickets. Their bellies will be full and they'll be calmly waiting for you under the layer of newspaper. If you wait until the sun dries the dew, the crickets will have time to hop away.
  6. Step 6 Lift the newspaper and sweep the crickets into the container. 6 Lift the newspaper and sweep the crickets into the container. You can use a scoop or a small brush to nudge them into the container. Place the lid on tightly once you've caught your crickets.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Catching Crickets with a Soft Drink Bottle

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  1. Step 1 Cut off the top of a 2-liter soda bottle. 1 Cut off the top of a 2-liter soda bottle. Use a sharp knife to cut around the circumference of the bottle. Be sure to hold the bottle tightly with one hand so the knife doesn't slip.
  2. Step 2 Invert the top and place it inside the bottle. 2 Invert the top and place it inside the bottle. The pour spout should be pointing to the bottom of the bottle, and the cap should be removed.[3] Use duct tape to seal the top edge of the bottle.
  3. Step 3 Sprinkle sugar into the bottom through the spout. 3 Sprinkle sugar into the bottom through the spout. Keep sprinkling until you have a fine layer of sugar at the bottom of the bottle.[4]
  4. Step 4 Place the bottle on its side in a spot where you have seen crickets. 4 Place the bottle on its side in a spot where you have seen crickets. You can use this method either indoors or outdoors. The crickets will crawl through the spout to reach the sugar, and a surprising number of them will be unable to find the hole to get back out.
  5. Step 5 Return in the early morning to collect your crickets. 5 Return in the early morning to collect your crickets. Move them to a sealed container to store them for later use.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Catching Crickets with Duct Tape

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  1. Step 1 Place a strip of duct tape sticky side up where you have seen crickets congregating. 1 Place a strip of duct tape sticky side up where you have seen crickets congregating. Common areas are on the floor along the baseboards or on windowsills in rooms where you suspect crickets are hiding. This method works best indoors, since tape placed outside will collect dirt, leaves and other creatures.
  2. Step 2 Return to the tape the next day. 2 Return to the tape the next day. The crickets will get caught in the glue as they try to walk across, making it easy for you to pick up and dispose of them. A more expensive option would be to use the sticky traps or "motels" made for catching roaches.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Catching Crickets with a Cardboard Tube

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  1. Step 1 Place a small amount of food in a cardboard tube. 1 Place a small amount of food in a cardboard tube. Use the type of tube that comes with paper towels or bathroom tissue. The longer the tube, the more crickets you'll be able to catch.
  2. Step 2 Place the tubes in areas where you suspect crickets might be hiding. 2 Place the tubes in areas where you suspect crickets might be hiding. This works well along baseboards and windowsills.
  3. Step 3 Return early the next morning to collect the crickets. 3 Return early the next morning to collect the crickets. Place them in a sealed container with holes in the top for storage.
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Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Catching Crickets with a Loaf of Bread

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  1. Step 1 Slice a long loaf of bread in half lengthwise. 1 Slice a long loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Pre-sliced bread won't work for this method; you'll need to get a loaf of uncut bread.
  2. Step 2 Hollow out the 2 sides. 2 Hollow out the 2 sides. Use a spoon to dig a hole into both sides of bread. Place the bread you scoop out int a bowl.
  3. Step 3 Mix some of the bread you removed with granulated sugar. 3 Mix some of the bread you removed with granulated sugar. Use equal parts sugar and bread.
  4. Step 4 Place the mixture in one of the hollowed-out halves. 4 Place the mixture in one of the hollowed-out halves. Scoop in as much as you can fit.
  5. Step 5 Replace the top and hold the loaf together with rubber bands or toothpicks. 5 Replace the top and hold the loaf together with rubber bands or toothpicks. You could also wrap the entire thing around the middle with duct tape or plastic wrap.
  6. Step 6 Slice off the ends of the bread. 6 Slice off the ends of the bread. This exposes the hollowed-out section so the crickets can get inside.
  7. Step 7 Place the bread in cricket territory. 7 Place the bread in cricket territory. In the morning, you should have a full loaf of crickets.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What container should I use if I choose to breed the crickets? Brandon Runyon Brandon Runyon Entomology and Pest Control Expert Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. Brandon Runyon Brandon Runyon Entomology and Pest Control Expert Expert Answer When breeding crickets, use separate containers for breeding adults and maturing young crickets. Having at least two containers is optimal: one for the adult breeding pairs and another for the developing young crickets. It's crucial to separate the full-grown adults from the immatures and eggs, especially when the eggs are fertilized and ready to hatch, as adult crickets may consume the eggs. This segregation ensures the proper care and development of the young crickets without interference from the adults. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
  • Question Which method works best? Community Answer Community Answer The duct tape and the soda pop bottle works the best, and can be easily transported. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 116
  • Question What do I do if the crickets are too small? Community Answer Community Answer The trap will work even if the cricket is small - but close the lid after catching it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 73
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • You can feed your crickets fresh fruits.[5] [6] If the fruit dries, just dip it in water or replace it with another fresh slice. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Common nesting sites for crickets include wood piles, building foundations, compost heaps, inside walls and almost any place where there is water available. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Crickets will hibernate or die off in cold weather. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Leave out an empty tissue box that's filled with leaves and rocks to protect them from rainwater sources. With enough time, crickets will probably come once they like your home—then, you can easily catch them.
  • Keep in mind that these methods won't just catch crickets. For instance, with the soda bottle method, you might catch fire ants instead of crickets.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Granulated sugar
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Newspaper
  • 2 liter (0.5 US gal) soft drink bottle
  • Duct tape
  • Cardboard tubes
  • Loaf of unsliced bread
  • Rubber bands or toothpicks

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about entomology, check out our in-depth interview with Brandon Runyon.

References

  1. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://extension.rwfm.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2010/04/6_Raising_Crickets.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-ideas/2-liter-critter-catcher-brings-peace-in-the-shop
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl_H2cmUebc
  5. ↑ Brandon Runyon. Entomology and Pest Control Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://a-z-animals.com/animals/crickets/what-do-crickets-eat/

About This Article

Brandon Runyon Co-authored by: Brandon Runyon Entomology and Pest Control Expert This article was co-authored by Brandon Runyon. Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University. This article has been viewed 502,391 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 502,391 Categories: Bugs Article SummaryX

If you want to catch crickets outside, combine equal amounts of granulated sugar and plain breadcrumbs and sprinkle the mixture wherever you have seen crickets congregating. The best time to put down the cricket food is dusk, since crickets are nocturnal. Cover the mixture with a single layer of newspaper. The next morning, before the dew dries, lift the newspaper and sweep the crickets into a glass jar with a lid. If you want to keep the crickets alive, make sure to poke holes in the jar's lid. If you want to learn how to catch crickets using a water bottle, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Robin May

    Robin May

    Apr 22, 2018

    "I liked that there was more than one way to catch them. I have reptiles and I found that using the soda bottle..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Brandon Runyon Co-authored by: Brandon Runyon Entomology and Pest Control Expert Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 502,391 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Robin May

Robin May

Apr 22, 2018

"I liked that there was more than one way to catch them. I have reptiles and I found that using the soda bottle..." more Rebbecca Langton

Rebbecca Langton

Sep 15, 2018

"I am doing an insect collection for school, and a cricket is one of the things that I needed. I made this cricket..." more Rated this article: Nunya Bizness

Nunya Bizness

Sep 13, 2016

"I've used the bottle method for other insects but didn't know it worked for crickets. No more nocturnal..." more Marcos Perez

Marcos Perez

Aug 9, 2016

"The bottle with sugar was great. Also, the additional info of wetting the surrounding area was great in luring them..." more Aiden Green

Aiden Green

Oct 9, 2017

"This article was pretty helpful so far. I have only tried the bottle trick and I caught three crickets, I will try..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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Tag » How To Catch A Cricket