Crickets Chirping in Your Home This Fall? Here’s Why
Fall in New York comes with its own unique symphony of sounds – leaves rustling, cool breezes, and the occasional rain shower. However, if you find yourself lying awake at night due to incessant chirping, you might have a cricket infestation in your home.
Why Are Crickets Invading Your Home?
Crickets typically dwell in gardens and fields, but as the temperatures drop in the autumn months, they begin their search for warmth, and it’s likely your cozy home looks mighty appealing. There are a few specific reasons that may lead to a sudden cricket infestation:
Crickets are Seeking Shelter
As the outside environment becomes less hospitable with falling temperatures, crickets enter your home in search of warmth and shelter. They tend to gravitate toward cracks, crevices, and vents.
You’re Providing Food Sources
If you notice crickets inside, it’s often because they have found a food source. These scavengers aren’t picky eaters, and they can make a meal out of pantry foods, pet food, fruits, vegetables, and even fabrics like silk and wool.
It’s Cricket Mating Season!
Early fall is also cricket mating season. If you hear chirping in your home, it’s often males calling to attract females. You might be unwittingly hosting a cricket romance.
Signs of a Cricket Infestation
Identifying a cricket infestation can be crucial in addressing the issue. Look out for these telltale signs:
Chirping
The most obvious sign is the incessant chirping noise, usually coming from male cricket to attract females.
Droppings
Crickets leave small, dark droppings behind. These pellets are usually found in areas with infestations.
Visible Crickets
You may spot crickets hopping around in your home, especially during the night.
Damage to Fabrics and Paper
Crickets might nibble on fabrics, paper, clothing, photos, or other personal items in your home..
How to Get Rid of Crickets
If you’re tired of these nocturnal serenades, consider these steps to address a cricket infestation:
Seal Entry Points
Thoroughly inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, or openings that crickets could use to enter. Seal these entry points to block their access.
Eliminate Food Sources
Reduce available food sources by keeping your home clean and free of crumbs or other small pests. Crickets are less likely to invade a food-free environment.
Dehumidify
Crickets thrive in moist conditions. A dehumidifier, especially in areas that tend to be damp, such as basements, can help make your home less attractive to them.
Call in the Professionals—Knockout Pest Control
If you’ve tried these measures and crickets still keep you up at night, it’s time to consider professional help. Knockout Pest Control specializes in dealing with cricket infestations. Our team of licensed technicians experts will inspect your home, identify entry points, and implement a customized treatment plan to knock out existing crickets and prevent future infestations.
Don’t let the chirping keep you up. Get started here to start your journey toward a peaceful, cricket-free home this autumn.
