The House Cricket
  Crickets are fond of kitchens and bakers' ovens on account of their warmth. Tender insects that live abroad either enjoy only the short period of one summer, or else doze away the cold, uncomfortable months in profound slumbers; but these residing, as it were, in a torrid zone, are always alert and merry: a good Christmas fire is to them like the heats of the dog-days. Though they are frequently heard by day, yet is their natural time of motion only in the night. As soon as it grows dusk, the chirping increases, and they come running forth, ranging from the size of a flea to that of their full stature. As one should suppose from the burning atmosphere which they inhabit, they are a thirsty race, and show a great propensity for liquids; being frequently drowned in pans of water, milk, broth, and the like Whatever is moist they affect; and therefore often gnaw holes in wet woolen stockings and aprons that are hung to the fire.
   From The Natural History of Selborne by Gilbert White