I also live in california. Heres my 2 cents.

I have noticed that I dont have a noise prolem with the crickets until they start to become full sized. I keep 2000-3000 in a big ol rubbermaid type tub. I get them as 1/2"ers and they dont seem to chirp until they become 1"ers. Then it starts to get annoying.

As for the smell all I can say is clean container every other day or so. Get rid of the dead ones. I also recently switched to useing the water crystals instead of a water container with small rocks or a sponge to keep the crickets from dying. They still die, fowl up the water and it really stinks. By swithcing to the water gel crystals stuff I dont loose them as much and it doesnt stink from haveing rotting crickets in the water source.

I live in a 2 story house so I put the crickets downstairs since I normaly hang out upstairs and if I notice a bad smell comeing from the crickets its definately time to clean the cage.

I dont know how often you clean the cricket cage but you should keep it clean as much as possible.

I take the food and water bowls out and with a small dustpan and hand broom sweep the mess up. Then I take the egg cartons on the other side and turn them upside down & shake a little to remove the cricket poo. Put the egg carton on the clean side now and continue until all the poo is removed from the carton and now put on the clean side. Now sweep up the dead crickets and cricket poo from the old egg carton side and now your cage is clean. Just put the food & water back.

I think the crickets are always gonig to stink some. You just gotta put a lot of work into cleaning it up. I believe pet stores & farms clean that stuff on a daily basis. I do every other day.

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