When considering household pests, termites, ants and even cockroaches usually come to mind first. While crickets may not make headlines when discussing unwanted guests, they are no less problematic. While they may be best known for their signature chirping habits, crickets have the potential to do extensive damage if left unchecked; therefore, taking steps now to address a cricket infestation will save you from future headaches and expense down the line.
House crickets can be found outdoors and indoors in large numbers. Adults measure 3/4-1 inch long, light yellowish-brown in color with three dark bands around their head. They feed on anything, especially woolens or damaged silk items. House crickets stay hidden during daylight hours while becoming nocturnal – their distinctive sound being their chirping. Look for house crickets in warm places such as basements, kitchens, cracks & crevices or behind baseboards.
Field crickets are common throughout the United States, a slightly shorter version of house crickets that typically appear dark brown, gray, or black in color. Field crickets prefer to stay outdoors and feed on plants but will move inside when food becomes scarce, or temperatures become extreme. Field crickets tend to congregate around well-lit areas at night which makes it easier to control noise levels and eliminate problems caused by crickets.
Signs Of A Cricket Infestation
Check your curtains and clothes for signs of an infestation. Crickets leave behind small bite marks on fabrics which could indicate there is something amiss. Another telltale indicator is their unique odor when dead; hard to describe but detectable, nonetheless. Lastly, observe any actual dead crickets; they tend to accumulate quickly under outdoor light fixtures so don’t assume there aren’t more inside your home; there may be more present than you think! Act now by eliminating all insects before any more become entreated!
Combatting a cricket infestation
Crickets tend to gravitate towards light sources, and if your home’s lights shine brightly at night, they could perceive it as a welcoming environment. You can address this by either changing the light settings or turning them off entirely. Specially designed bug lights are not enticing to crickets and can be used if you want to keep potential home invaders at bay while providing some form of illumination. Crickets may even approach your house when seeking shelter. These insects will hide in bundles of wood, leaves and boxes you leave near your home. Make sure those items are removed properly to discourage crickets from approaching. It may also be wise to repair any cracks along the walls in case crickets attempt to enter through them.
Cricket Exterminator In The Twin Cities Metro
If you are experiencing crickets, contact EcoTech immediately for help solving the issue. We specialize in identifying the source of the issue, eliminating pests with our organic product line, and restoring your space without destroying anything.