Cricket Control 101: Tips to Keep These Noisy Pests Out of Your Living Space
Cricket season is upon us, and for many New York homeowners, that means the familiar chirping of these insects is becoming an unwelcome presence indoors. While crickets may be a delightful sound in the great outdoors, hearing their constant chorus echoing through your living space can be quite the opposite. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of crickets, from the common types you might encounter in your own home this fall to effective strategies for keeping them out of your home.
Common Crickets in New York Homes
Before we dive into prevention methods, let’s get acquainted with the common cricket varieties you might encounter in and around your home:
House Crickets
These light brown to grayish insects are the most common culprits when it comes to indoor cricket infestations. They are about 3/4 to 7/8 inches long and have distinctive long antennae and wings. House crickets are notorious for their loud chirping, and it’s the male crickets that produce this noise to attract females.
Camel or Cave Crickets
These crickets are characterized by their humpbacked appearance, which resembles that of a camel, hence the name. They are usually light brown or tan and can grow up to 2 inches in length. Unlike house crickets, they do not have wings and are not known for their chirping.
Field Crickets
Field crickets are often found outdoors in gardens and grassy areas. They are dark brown to black and range from 1/2 to 1 inch in length. Field crickets are known for their loud chirping sounds, especially during the evening and nighttime hours.
How to Prevent Crickets
Now that you can distinguish between these cricket types let’s explore effective cricket prevention strategies:
Seal Entry Points
Crickets can slip through tiny openings, so inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and foundation walls. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these entry points.
Reduce Exterior Lighting
Crickets are attracted to bright lights at night. Consider using yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs, which are less appealing to them.
Keep the Yard Tidy
Crickets love hiding in tall grass and cluttered areas. Regularly mow your lawn, trim bushes, and remove debris to make your yard less inviting to these pests.
Store Firewood Away
If you have firewood, keep it elevated and away from the exterior walls of your home. Crickets often hide in firewood piles.
Use Sticky Traps
Place sticky traps in areas where you suspect cricket activity. These traps can be effective in capturing crickets and reducing their numbers.
Professional Pest Control
When dealing with a severe cricket infestation, or if prevention methods aren’t providing relief, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional pest control services, like Knockout Pest Control’s, can assess the situation and apply targeted treatments to eliminate crickets from your home.
Schedule a Pest Control Inspection Now
If crickets are causing a ruckus in your home this season, it’s time to take action! Contact Knockout Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and let our experienced team help you reclaim your home from unwanted cricket guests. Say goodbye to the noise and hello to a peaceful, cricket-free environment this fall.
