Cricket Control
Crickets are nocturnal insects, most commonly known for the loud chirping sounds they make during the summer nights. Though crickets prefer to live outdoors, they can sneak their way into a house searching for warmth and shelter, and inhabit moist areas like the kitchen, basement, or cracks and crevices, when the weather conditions are unfavorable. These harmless-looking pests can be a nuisance when found in large numbers in the home. Not only can the incessant noise be annoying for the homeowners, but crickets can also damage the clothes, furniture, wall coverings, and papers. Their waste carries different types of worms and diseases that can cause harm. Therefore, it is essential to get rid of them as soon as possible by calling a local pest control expert. They can also help prevent future infestations by suggesting ways to make the surroundings less attractive for crickets.
Signs of infestation
Some of the most common signs of infestations are regular sightings in the warm and moist areas of the house and the familiar chirping sound. House crickets, field crickets, and camel crickets are the ones usually found in homes.
How to control crickets in and around the house
Here are some steps you can take to get rid of them and control their infestation around the property:
Use bug spray or cricket traps
Several non-toxic insect deterrents are available in the market like sticky glue traps that can be placed near walls, woodpiles, compost areas, and windows to attract crickets. Another way is to spray a bug spray in the suspected areas to eliminate crickets and their eggs.
Locate and remove the nesting area
It is essential to locate the nesting area inside the house and get rid of the eggs. Seal all the cracks by caulking, or try weatherstripping around the doors and windows, keep the house and gutters clean and regularly remove debris, vacuum under carpets and rugs to remove the eggs, and completely cover the trash can to prevent the crickets from entering the house.
Reduce moisture inside the home
Moisture in the home is the biggest attractant for crickets. Look for dark and moist areas and declutter them. Remove all the cardboard boxes, woodpiles, newspapers, and other non-useful things and keep them at a safe distance from the house. Ensure adequate ventilation in the basement or other crawl spaces, or use dehumidifiers to solve the moisture problem.
Get rid of bright exterior lights
Having bright light in the yard can attract crickets to the home. Replace the bright lamps with yellow-colored light or fixtures with motion sensors, and cover the windows at night using blinds and curtains to keep the crickets away.
Maintain the garden
Tall grass and vegetation offer an ideal spot for crickets to build their nests. To prevent their invasion in the yard, regularly mow the lawn, reduce the ground vegetation, and scatter Diatomaceous earth around plants.
Allowing natural cricket predators like lizards, cats, and spiders on the property can also help in controlling their numbers.
These are some practical ways to control the cricket’s population both inside and outside the home. Call a professional pest control company for any assistance and prevent future infestations.
Russell Pest Control boasts a team of trained and certified technicians for providing comprehensive residential pest control solutions in the Phoenix Valley. From silverfish control, ants control, and roach control to wasp control and honey bee removal, expect nothing but the best from our family-owned business. Call today.
