Crickets: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of crickets? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are Crickets And Should I Be Worried If I Think I Have Them?

Crickets are insects that are distantly related to grasshoppers. Crickets can be found all over the world in varied habitats like grasslands, forests, marshes, beaches and caves. 

They are nocturnal insects and are probably best known for the loud chirping sound that male crickets make to attract females. They appear and are often celebrated throughout literature and are even kept as pets in some countries! House crickets often enter houses where they can survive indefinitely.

What Do Crickets Look Like?

Crickets are small to medium-sized insects that are typically black or brown with varying sizes, though not usually larger than 1.5 inches in length. They have cylindrical, moderately flattened bodies with spherical heads. They have two long antennae at the tip of their heads, are winged (though you often can’t see their wings as they lie flat on their bodies), and have greatly enlarged hind legs that are perfect for jumping.

What Should I Know About Crickets?

The natural habitat of the cricket is outside in a field or forest, but will be abundantly found living near and around human dwellings. While they typically live and breed outdoors, they may enter your home for a variety of reasons. Adult crickets may enter your home at night as they are attracted to bright lights. Outside, crickets feed on insects and plants, but when they come indoors they can become omnivorous if deprived of their normal food sources. Crickets in your home may consume fabric, including carpet and clothing. They are particularly attracted to any clothes that have human oils or perspiration stains.

What Are The Signs Of Crickets In My Home?

Crickets in your home will be hanging out in damp conditions in places like the bathroom, basements and in crawl spaces. The most obvious signs of a house cricket infestation are the crickets themselves, which includes hearing the chirping noises made by male crickets. You may also notice chewed edges on fabric, though the signs of chewed fabric are very small and often need magnification to properly identify.

Can a Cricket Infestation Damage My Home?

House crickets are not a health risk to humans, and won’t cause structural damage to your home. They may destroy your property as they chew up clothes and upholstery and can leave an area in tatters from pulling fibers loose while eating. 

How Can I Get Rid Of Crickets?

Find a pest control professional near you to help manage any cricket problem you may have. Even though crickets don’t pose much of a threat to your home, any simple annoyance can become an out of control problem in a hurry if not treated appropriately.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible!