How to Keep Crickets Out of Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide
Types of Crickets
In North America, two common types of crickets may invade your home:
- House cricket (Acheta domesticus): About an inch long, with a yellowish-brown body and dark bands on its head. They feed on various materials, including fabrics, paper, and food.
- Field cricket (Gryllus): Smaller and darker than house crickets, often found in tall grass or shrubbery. They leap when startled.
Why Crickets Come Inside
Crickets prefer to live outdoors but may enter homes for shelter during inclement weather or through accidental entry. They are attracted to warmth and moisture and often seek these conditions in kitchens, near heat sources, or in cracks and behind baseboards.
Signs of a Cricket Infestation
- Chirping: Crickets communicate by rubbing their wings together, creating a characteristic chirping sound.
- Damage: High populations of crickets can chew on fabrics, paper, and other materials.
- Sightings: You may spot crickets hopping around your home or hiding in dark corners.
Eliminating Crickets
- Glue boards: Place glue boards in areas where you hear chirping. Add cornmeal as bait to attract crickets.
- Vacuuming: Use a vacuum hose with an attachment to trap crickets. Empty the canister outdoors.
- Sprays and baits: For heavy infestations, consider using sprays or baits labeled for cricket control. Follow all label directions carefully.
Preventing Future Infestations
To keep crickets out of your home for good, take the following steps:
- Seal entry points: Caulk or seal cracks in the foundation, around doors and windows, and any other potential entry points.
- Remove attractants: Keep the perimeter of your home free of tall grass, weeds, and mulch. Avoid storing firewood or organic materials near the house.
- Control lighting: Use yellow sodium-vapor lighting outdoors to avoid attracting crickets to your home. Place lights on poles with the lighting directed away from open doors.
- Maintain cleanliness: Vacuum and sweep regularly to remove cricket feces and other debris that may attract them.
- Inspect regularly: Check for crickets periodically, especially during warm and moist weather. Take immediate action if you notice any signs of infestation.
Additional Tips
- Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around entry points and areas where crickets are likely to hide. It dehydrates and kills insects on contact.
- Essential oils: Some essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree oil, have repellent properties against crickets. Dilute a few drops in water and spray around areas where crickets enter.
- Professional pest control: If you are unable to control the cricket infestation on your own, contact a professional pest control company for assistance.