What are crickets?

Crickets are insects belonging to the order Orthoptera, closely related to grasshoppers and katydids. There are over 900 species worldwide, with house crickets, field crickets, and camel crickets being the types most commonly encountered in North American homes. These primarily nocturnal insects are known for the males’ distinctive chirping, produced by rubbing their wings together—a process called stridulation—to attract females. 

Crickets serve important ecological roles as both decomposers feeding on decaying plant material and as a food source for various wildlife. While primarily outdoor insects, they often enter homes seeking warmth, shelter, and food, particularly in late summer and fall as temperatures cool. Most cricket species are omnivorous, consuming plant materials, other insects, and even fabrics or paper products when necessary. In some cultures, crickets are considered symbols of good luck, while in others, they’re raised as food for humans or pets.

What do crickets look like?

Crickets have a distinctive appearance that makes them relatively easy to identify. They typically measure between ½ to 1 inch in length, with field and house crickets being on the larger end of this spectrum. Their bodies are somewhat cylindrical and slightly flattened, usually colored in shades of brown, black, or tan, sometimes with patterns of lighter markings. 

One of their most notable features is their powerful hind legs, which are significantly larger and more muscular than their other legs, allowing them to jump impressive distances relative to their size. Most cricket species have two pairs of wings—the front pair being tough and leathery to protect the more delicate hindwings used for flight, though many common species rarely fly. 

They have long, slender antennae that often exceed their body length, used to sense their environment. Female crickets are identifiable by their long, needle-like ovipositors extending from the rear of their abdomen, used for depositing eggs into soil or plant material.

Lifecycle of a cricket

The cricket lifecycle follows a three-stage pattern of incomplete metamorphosis: egg, nymph, and adult. The process begins when female crickets use their long ovipositors to deposit eggs in moist soil, plant material, or crevices. A single female can lay between 100 and 400 eggs during her lifetime, with optimal egg-laying occurring at temperatures between 80-90°F. 

These eggs typically hatch in about two weeks, though this varies with temperature and species. The emerging nymphs resemble miniature, wingless versions of adult crickets. They undergo a series of molts—typically 8 to 10—over a period of 6-12 weeks, shedding their exoskeletons to grow larger with each molt. Wing pads become visible in later nymphal stages, developing into functional wings at the final molt when they reach adulthood. 

Adult crickets typically live for 8-10 weeks after reaching maturity, focusing on feeding and reproduction. Most cricket species produce one generation annually in temperate climates, with eggs overwintering and hatching in spring, though some species like house crickets can breed continuously in warm, indoor environments.

Are crickets dangerous?

Crickets pose minimal danger to humans and are generally considered nuisance pests rather than health threats. They don’t bite, sting, or transmit diseases, and most species attempt to flee rather than act aggressively when encountered. The primary issue with crickets is property damage rather than safety concerns. 

In large numbers, they can damage fabrics—particularly those containing natural fibers like wool, silk, or cotton—as well as paper products, houseplants, and occasionally stored foods. House crickets may chew on clothing, curtains, or furniture upholstery, especially if these items contain food stains or body oils. Their excrement can stain fabrics and surfaces, while their nocturnal chirping can cause sleep disturbances when they establish themselves inside homes. 

Occasionally, cricket infestations may indirectly attract other pests like spiders or centipedes that prey on them. For individuals with specific sensitivities, cricket shed skins and droppings might trigger allergic reactions, but this is relatively uncommon. Overall, while crickets can be annoying and potentially destructive to certain materials, they aren’t considered dangerous to human health or safety.

What are the differences between crickets and cicadas?

Crickets and cicadas, while both known for their sounds, differ significantly in numerous ways:

• Physical size and appearance: Crickets are much smaller, typically measuring ½ to 1 inch long with slender bodies, while cicadas are substantially larger (1-2 inches) with broader, more robust bodies.
• Sound production mechanisms: Cricket males create chirps by rubbing their wings together (stridulation), while male cicadas use specialized organs called tymbals on their abdomens to generate their distinctive buzzing chorus.
• Lifecycle duration: Crickets undergo incomplete metamorphosis with a lifespan of a few months, while cicadas develop underground for 2-17 years depending on the species.
• Activity patterns: Crickets are primarily nocturnal, producing sounds mostly at night, whereas cicadas are diurnal, singing primarily during daylight hours.
• Habitat preferences: Crickets commonly enter homes and structures, while cicadas rarely invade indoor spaces.
• Emergence patterns: Crickets appear annually and can breed continuously in suitable conditions, whereas cicadas emerge either annually in small numbers or periodically in massive synchronized broods.
• Environmental impact: Cricket activity is consistent throughout warm months, while cicada emergences create temporary but intense periods of high activity and noise.
• Structural interaction: Crickets often become indoor pests requiring exclusion methods, while cicadas remain primarily outdoor insects that don’t typically require home pest control measures.

What are the differences between crickets and grasshoppers?

Crickets and grasshoppers, both belonging to the order Orthoptera, share many similarities but can be distinguished through several key differences:

• Antenna length: Crickets typically have long antennae that often exceed their body length, while grasshoppers feature much shorter antennae, usually shorter than their bodies.
• Sound production methods: Crickets create chirping sounds by rubbing their forewings together, while grasshoppers produce sounds by rubbing their hind legs against their wings or body.
• Activity timing: Crickets are predominantly nocturnal, becoming active and vocal primarily at night, whereas grasshoppers are diurnal insects active during daylight hours.
• Habitat preferences: Crickets favor dark, moist environments and often enter structures, while grasshoppers typically remain in open, sunny fields and rarely invade homes.
• Coloration patterns: Crickets are usually uniformly colored in browns and blacks, while grasshoppers often display more varied and brighter coloration.
• Dietary differences: Crickets are more omnivorous, sometimes consuming animal protein and fabric materials, unlike the strictly plant-eating grasshoppers.
• Structural invasion: Crickets commonly become indoor pests requiring home exclusion measures, while grasshoppers remain primarily outdoor insects.
• Environmental adaptation: Crickets are adapted for sheltered, humid conditions, while grasshoppers thrive in open, exposed grassland environments.

How do crickets get in your home?

Crickets enter homes through various access points, often seeking shelter, warmth, moisture, or food sources. The most common entry pathways include gaps under exterior doors where weatherstripping is missing or damaged, providing easy access for these ground-dwelling insects. Cracks in foundations, particularly at ground level, serve as highways into homes, as do openings around utility penetrations like pipes, cables, and vents. Open windows and doors, especially at night when outdoor lights attract crickets to the vicinity, create obvious entry opportunities. 

They may hitchhike inside on items brought in from garages, storage sheds, or garden areas, including firewood, plants, or outdoor equipment. Basement windows and bulkhead doors, often less well-sealed than other areas, provide additional access points. Once inside, crickets typically seek out dark, warm, humid environments like basements, crawl spaces, laundry areas, and bathrooms. 

During late summer and fall, cricket entries increase significantly as outdoor temperatures drop and these insects actively seek warmer environments to extend their breeding season, making preventative measures particularly important during these seasonal transitions.

Do crickets hibernate?

Crickets don’t undergo true hibernation like some mammals, but they do have overwintering strategies that vary by species and life stage. In temperate climates, most adult field and house crickets die off with the arrival of cold weather, unable to survive freezing temperatures. These species typically overwinter as eggs laid in soil or protected areas during fall, with the eggs remaining dormant until spring temperatures rise sufficiently for development to resume. 

The eggs contain natural antifreeze compounds that prevent them from being damaged by freezing conditions. Some cricket species, particularly camel crickets (cave crickets), can survive winter as nymphs or adults by seeking protected microhabitats like deep leaf litter, animal burrows, or human structures where temperatures remain above freezing. 

In heated buildings, house crickets may continue their normal activities year-round without any dormancy period, which explains why infestations can persist through winter months in homes and other structures. This lack of true hibernation means that cricket control may be necessary year-round in indoor environments, though outdoor populations naturally decline during colder months.

How to know if you have a cricket infestation

Identifying a cricket infestation involves recognizing several distinctive signs:

• Characteristic chirping sounds: You might hear distinctive chirping, particularly in evening and nighttime hours, produced only by male crickets to attract mates, often seeming to change volume or location when you attempt to locate the source.
• Temperature-related activity: It’s common to notice sounds typically intensifying as indoor temperatures rise, becoming more noticeable in warm, humid conditions.
• Visual sightings: You might spot the insects themselves in dark, warm areas like basements, utility rooms, behind appliances, or near heat sources.
• Species identification: You’ll likely observe house crickets that are typically light yellowish-brown, while field crickets are darker brown to black, both measuring about 3/4 to 1 inch long with long antennae.
• Physical evidence: You’ll find small, cylindrical droppings resembling tiny dark pellets near harborage areas, and shed skins (molts) in corners or along baseboards.
• Material damage: It’s common to discover damage to fabrics or paper products, with crickets feeding on materials containing starch or organic fibers, leaving irregular holes or chewed edges
• Targeted feeding signs: You’ll often notice damage particularly on items like wallpaper, clothing, drapes, or upholstery, especially if these materials contain food stains or body oils.
• Predator attraction: You might observe an increase in predatory insects like spiders or centipedes, which are attracted to areas with available cricket prey.
• Distinctive odors: You’ll also likely detect a musty smell from cricket waste and secretions, particularly in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation during severe infestations.

How to prevent a cricket infestation

Preventing cricket infestations requires a multi-faceted approach focused on exclusion and habitat modification:

• Seal entry points: Install door sweeps on exterior doors, repair damaged window screens, and caulk cracks in foundations and around utility penetrations.
• Reduce lighting attraction: Minimize outdoor lighting that attracts crickets, or switch to yellow “bug lights” that are less appealing to insects.
• Eliminate harborage areas: Keep grass trimmed short, eliminate tall weeds, and maintain a vegetation-free band of gravel or similar material around the foundation.
• Move outdoor attractants: Relocate woodpiles, compost bins, and dense ground cover away from the building, as these provide ideal cricket habitat.
• Control indoor humidity: Reduce moisture in basements and crawl spaces using dehumidifiers or improved ventilation, as crickets are attracted to moist environments.
• Protect susceptible items: Store clothing and paper products in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, particularly in basement areas.
• Professional interventions: For existing infestations or persistent problems, contact professional pest control services that can identify specific cricket species and locate primary entry points.
• Commercial-grade solutions: Professional technicians can implement targeted treatments using commercial-grade products not available to consumers for cricket control.
• Comprehensive control: Professional pest control services provide more thorough cricket control while eliminating the need for homeowners to handle insecticides, often resulting in faster resolution and more effective long-term prevention.

When to call a professional

When dealing with cricket problems in your home, Aptive’s pest control experts can help. Our technicians will perform a detailed inspection to assess the situation and develop a customized treatment plan based on the specific pest species present. We’ll identify whether you’re dealing with house crickets that typically infest living spaces and basements, camel crickets that prefer dark, damp areas, or field crickets that may have entered from your yard.

For house crickets, we’ll focus on their primary harborage areas and implement targeted treatments for these noisy invaders. When addressing potential entry points, we can help by recommending sealing of gaps and cracks around your foundation, doors, and windows to prevent future crickets from getting inside. Our comprehensive approach addresses both current populations and helps prevent future infestations through exclusion and habitat modification strategies.

If you’re experiencing problems with these persistent pests, contact Aptive today for a free quote. Our experts will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most effective solutions to protect your home from these unwelcome chirping invaders.

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If cricket noise is keeping you awake at night, understanding why they’re so vocal and what attracts them to your property can help you take effective steps to reduce their presence around your home.

Why Crickets Are More Active at Night

Crickets are primarily nocturnal creatures, which means they rest during daylight hours and become active when darkness falls. This nighttime activity pattern provides them with natural protection from predators, allowing them to move more freely in search of food and potential mates.

Their loud chirping serves essential survival purposes, but it can become particularly noticeable and disruptive when crickets gather in large numbers near residential areas.

The Purpose of Cricket Chirping

Here are the reasons crickets chirp from an evolutionary perspective.

Attracting Mates

The primary purpose of cricket chirping is for males to attract female crickets. This distinctive mating call is produced by a process called stridulation, where male crickets rub their wings together to create their signature sound.

The louder and more frequent the chirps, the more likely they are to successfully draw a mate. This explains why cricket choruses can become so persistent and loud during peak breeding seasons.

Defending Territory

Crickets also use their chirps as a way to warn other males to stay away from their established territory. If multiple crickets are occupying the same general area, their calls may become increasingly louder as they compete for space and available mates. This competitive chirping can significantly amplify the overall noise level around your home.

Temperature Influence

You might notice that cricket chirping changes with the weather—this is because their activity is closely linked to temperature. The warmer the night, the faster crickets will chirp.

This temperature sensitivity explains why cricket activity typically peaks during late summer and early fall when nighttime temperatures remain relatively high. During these seasons, the combination of warmth and darkness creates ideal conditions for cricket activity.

Why Crickets Gather Near Homes

Here are some reasons why you are more likely to find crickets near your house and what attracts them. If you have noticed that you may have a cricket problem, it is worth it to contact a professional pest control service to come and take a look. Cricket control often requires a specialized approach from experts who are familiar with infestations.

Exterior Lighting

Crickets are naturally drawn to artificial light sources at night. Your porch lights, landscape lighting, streetlights, and even indoor lighting visible through windows can attract these insects to your property. This light attraction explains why you might notice more cricket activity—and noise—around well-lit areas of your home after dark.

Moisture and Shelter

These insects actively seek out damp, dark spaces to hide during daylight hours. Overgrown grass, piles of leaves, mulch, and cracks in foundations all provide ideal shelter for crickets. They may also slip inside garages, crawl spaces, or basements through small openings, particularly if these areas offer the dark, moist environment they prefer.

Food Sources

Crickets feed on a varied diet that includes plant material, decaying organic matter, and even other small insects. If your property provides ample food sources through garden plants, compost, or debris, crickets are more likely to establish themselves and remain in the area, contributing to increased nighttime noise.

How to Reduce Noisy Crickets Around Your Home

Here are some methods to help you reduce noise from crickets near and in your home.

Adjust Outdoor Lighting

Making simple adjustments to your outdoor lighting can significantly reduce cricket activity near your home. Consider using yellow or warm-colored LED bulbs, which are generally less attractive to crickets and other insects. When possible, turning off unnecessary exterior lights at night can also help reduce the number of crickets drawn to your property.

Seal Entry Points

Crickets can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps around doors, windows, utility penetrations, and vents. Taking time to identify and seal these openings prevents crickets from getting inside your home where their chirping would be even more noticeable and disruptive. Pay special attention to door sweeps, weather stripping, and foundation cracks.

Keep the Yard Clear

Regular yard maintenance plays a key role in cricket prevention. Make sure to trim overgrown grass, remove debris piles, and store firewood at a distance from your home’s foundation. Reducing potential shelter areas makes your property significantly less appealing to crickets looking for daytime hiding spots.

Reduce Moisture

Since crickets are attracted to damp environments, moisture control is essential for reducing their presence. Fix any leaking outdoor faucets, clean gutters regularly, and eliminate areas of standing water near your home. Keeping the environment drier will discourage crickets from settling in around your property.

Inspect Basements and Garages

Even with outdoor prevention, some crickets may find their way indoors through open doors or existing foundation cracks. Make it a habit to inspect basements, garages, and crawl spaces regularly for signs of cricket activity. Addressing any evidence of indoor crickets quickly can prevent them from establishing themselves inside your home.

When to Take Action Against a Cricket Problem

If noisy crickets become a persistent issue despite your prevention efforts, it may indicate a larger infestation that requires professional intervention. Multiple crickets calling simultaneously can create an overwhelming sound, especially in otherwise quiet neighborhoods. If cricket populations continue to increase around your home, professional pest control services can provide more targeted solutions.

Our pest control experts can identify factors contributing to cricket activity on your property and implement effective treatment strategies. We offer detailed inspections to assess cricket problems and create customized plans to address them. Get a free quote today to learn how we can help restore peace and quiet to your evenings.

The post Why Do Crickets Seem Louder at Night? appeared first on Aptive Pest Control.

Are Crickets Dangerous to Humans?

Crickets are not typically dangerous to humans. They do not bite, or sting. However, their presence can still lead to some issues that you should be aware of.

3 Common Concerns About Crickets

1. Damage to property: While crickets might not seem threatening, they can cause notable damage to your belongings. They have a tendency to chew through materials like clothing, curtains, and wallpaper, which can lead to costly repairs and replacements.
2. Allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to cricket droppings or the skin they shed during molting. This can cause mild allergic reactions, such as sneezing or skin irritation, but these instances are rare.
3. Noise disruption: One of the most common complaints about crickets is the noise they produce. The constant chirping, especially at night, can be disruptive to sleep and general comfort in your home.

2 Myths About Cricket Dangers

There are several myths surrounding crickets that can cause unnecessary concern:

• Myth #1: Crickets bring bad luck. This is a superstition with no basis in fact. In some cultures, crickets are actually considered a sign of good luck.
• Myth #2: Crickets can significantly damage your home. While crickets can chew on fabrics and paper, they are not as destructive as other pests like termites or rodents. The damage they cause is usually minimal and confined to specific areas.

Potential Issues Caused by Crickets Indoors

While crickets may not be directly harmful to humans, they can still cause some problems if they get inside your home. Some potential issues include:

Damage to Fabrics and Paper

Crickets are known to chew on various materials, including:

• Clothing: Crickets can damage fabrics, especially if they contain natural fibers like wool, cotton, or silk. They may chew on clothes left in storage or those that are left out for long periods.
• Books and paper: Crickets are also attracted to paper, which can lead to damage to books, documents, and other paper products in your home.

Attracting Other Pests

Crickets can attract other pests to your home. For example:

• Spiders: Spiders are natural predators of crickets. If you have a cricket infestation, you might also notice an increase in spiders as they hunt for their prey.
• Rodents: While less common, crickets can attract rodents, which are more harmful and harder to control.

5 Ways to Manage Crickets Indoors

If you find crickets inside your home, it’s important to take steps to manage them before they become a larger problem. Here are some practical tips:

1. Seal entry points: Crickets often enter through small cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Seal these entry points with caulk or weather stripping to keep crickets out.
2. Reduce outdoor lighting: Crickets are attracted to light. Consider using yellow outdoor lights, which are less attractive to crickets, or reduce the use of outdoor lighting at night.
3. Maintain your yard: Keep your lawn and garden well-maintained. Crickets thrive in tall grass and under debris, so regular mowing and removing leaf litter can help reduce their numbers.
4. Vacuuming: For small infestations, vacuuming can be an effective way to remove crickets from your home. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister immediately to prevent them from escaping.
5. Calling professional cricket exterminators: If the infestation is larger or you prefer not to deal with it yourself, professional pest control can provide targeted cricket control solutions and prevent them from returning.

Say Goodbye to Crickets with Aptive’s Help!

If crickets are pestering your home, let our expert team handle it. At Aptive, we’re dedicated to helping homes and communities thrive through effective pest control services. Our tailored solutions are part of our commitment to “Every Home Enjoyed,” ensuring your home remains a comfortable haven. Reach out today for a free quote and see how we can help make your home cricket-controlled!

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Identifying House Crickets

House crickets are common indoor pests that can cause quite a disturbance, especially at night. These small brown or black insects typically range from half an inch to three-quarters of an inch long. With long antennae and powerful jumping legs, they’re built to invade your home. Unlike their chirping cousins outside, male house crickets chirp indoors at night, seeking to attract mates—often disturbing your sleep in the process.

Signs of a Cricket Infestation

If you hear those late-night chirps or spotting crickets around your home, it’s time to investigate further. Here are some signs that could indicate a cricket infestation:

• Nightly chirping: The most obvious sign is the constant chirping of male crickets, particularly at night.
• Sightings: Seeing live crickets hopping around your home is a clear indicator of an infestation.
• Excrement: Tiny black droppings around warm, moist areas might indicate cricket activity.
• Shed skin: As crickets grow, they shed their outer skin. Finding these brownish-yellow husks around your house is another sign of a cricket problem.

Effective Cricket Removal Methods

Once you’ve identified the presence of crickets, taking quick and effective action is essential. Here are some methods to get rid of crickets in your home:

• Sticky traps: Commercially available sticky traps are a simple way to capture crickets. Place them in areas where you’ve seen cricket activity, like basements, laundry rooms, and warm appliances.
• Soap and water: An easy method is filling a shallow dish with soapy water and placing it near cricket hiding spots. The crickets will be attracted to the water and drown.
• Vacuuming: If you see live crickets, vacuum them up. Be sure to empty the vacuum cleaner bag outside afterward to prevent escapees.

When to Call in the Professionals

While these methods can be effective for mild infestations, sometimes professional help is necessary. Here’s when to call a cricket pest control specialist:

• You have a severe infestation: If you’re seeing crickets all over your house and DIY methods aren’t working, it’s time to call in the pros. They can identify the source of the infestation and use targeted treatments to help manage it.
• You want to identify entry points: Professional pest control specialists can help you determine how the crickets enter your home, allowing you to seal those entry points and minimize future infestations.
• You need peace of mind: For some homeowners, the thought of crickets multiplying in their walls is simply too unsettling. A professional can provide peace of mind with a thorough inspection and treatment plan.

4 Preventative Measures to Avoid Cricket Infestations

Preventing future cricket problems requires a proactive approach and a commitment to regular maintenance. Here’s how to protect your home from future infestations:

1. Ensure Moisture Control. Address any leaks immediately to prevent moisture buildup that attracts crickets. Regularly check for leaks during your monthly home inspection. Also, dehumidifiers should be run weekly in basements and crawl spaces, especially during humid seasons, to keep moisture levels low.
2. Seal Entry Points. Inspect and seal any cracks around windows, doors, and foundations annually or after severe weather events. Make sure to check these areas regularly and reseal them as necessary.
3. Declutter Your Home. Declutter storage areas quarterly to minimize potential hiding spots for crickets and other pests. Keep these spaces organized and free from unnecessary items.
4. Empty Trash Regularly. Take out the trash daily to avoid attracting crickets and other pests. Make it a habit to regularly empty trash cans, particularly in the kitchen and food storage areas.

Eliminate House Crickets Effectively with Aptive

Keep those chirps out of your nighttime routine by following these tips. Remember, a small cricket problem can quickly become a big one. For professional pest control help, get in touch with Aptive. Our expert team will assess your situation and recommend a custom plan to eliminate the infestation and protect your home.

The post How to Get Rid of a House Cricket Infestation appeared first on Aptive Pest Control.

Why Do Crickets Chirp?

Crickets chirp primarily as a form of communication. This sound, produced by male crickets, serves a few key purposes. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Mating Calls: Attracting Females

• Mating calls: The main reason for cricket chirping is to attract a mate.  Male crickets produce a specific type of chirp, known as a “calling song,” to signal their presence to females. This song is a repetitive sound made by rubbing their wings together, a behavior known as “stridulation.”
• Species-specific sounds: Each cricket species has a unique chirping pattern, which allows female crickets to identify potential mates of the same species. This specificity helps prevent interbreeding between different cricket species.

Territorial Warnings: Fending Off Rivals

• Territorial chirping: In addition to attracting females, male crickets use chirping to establish and defend their territory. The sound warns other males, signaling that the area has already been claimed.
• Challenge calls: If another male cricket enters the territory, the resident male may change his chirp to a more aggressive tone, known as a “rivalry song,” to deter the intruder.

Environmental Factors: Temperature & Cricket Chirping

• Chirping rate: The rate at which crickets chirp is directly related to the temperature. A well-known rule called Dolbear’s law states that you can estimate the temperature in Fahrenheit by counting the number of chirps in 14 seconds and adding 40. The warmer it is, the faster they chirp.
• Seasonal chirping: You’ll hear more chirping in the summer and early fall when temperatures are ideal for cricket activity. As temperatures drop in late fall and winter, cricket activity slows down, and chirping becomes less frequent.

Why Do Crickets Chirp at Night?

Cricket chirping is most commonly heard at night, and there are specific reasons for this nocturnal activity. We’ll learn more about them below.

• Temperature sensitivity: Crickets are cold-blooded, meaning their activity is heavily influenced by temperature. They chirp more frequently at higher temperatures, which is why you hear more cricket sounds on warm summer nights.
• Light avoidance: Crickets are primarily nocturnal creatures. They are most active at night because darkness offers them protection from predators. Chirping at night reduces their chances of being seen and eaten by birds or other animals.
• Quieter environment: Nighttime offers a quieter environment, making it easier for the chirping sound to travel and be heard by females. During the day, ambient noise can interfere with the ability of crickets to communicate effectively.

How to Manage Crickets Chirping at Night

If cricket chirping at night becomes a problem, there are ways to manage their presence around your home.

• Reduce outdoor lighting: Since crickets are attracted to light, reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting can help deter them from gathering near your home.
• Seal entry points: Crickets can enter your home through small cracks and gaps. Sealing these entry points can prevent them from coming inside and chirping indoors.
• Control moisture: Crickets are attracted to moist environments. Reducing moisture around your home, such as fixing leaky pipes and ensuring proper drainage, helps make your property less inviting to them.
• Professional pest control: If you’re dealing with a significant cricket problem, consider professional pest control for crickets. Experts can assess the situation and provide targeted treatments to reduce cricket populations around your home.

Silence the Night Sounds with Aptive

Are cricket chirps disrupting your sleep? Aptive offers tailored pest control services to help you reclaim peaceful nights. Our methods adhere to Environmental Protection Agency standards and reflect our commitment as members of The Professional Pest Management Alliance. Contact us today for a free quote, and let our team provide the assistance you need for a quieter, more comfortable home.

The post Why Do Crickets Chirp at Night? appeared first on Aptive Pest Control.

Let’s learn more about why you might have crickets in your basement and what you can do about it.

Why Crickets Love Basements

Moisture and Humidity

Crickets thrive in moist environments. Basements often have higher humidity levels, which attract these pests. They seek out damp areas to stay hydrated and reproduce. Running a dehumidifier in your basement can help reduce moisture levels. This not only deters crickets but also other pests like roaches and centipedes.

Clutter and Darkness

Crickets prefer dark, cluttered spaces where they can hide. Basements, with their storage boxes and seldom-used corners, provide ideal hiding spots. Keeping your basement organized and clutter-free can make it less inviting for crickets.

Entry Points

Crickets can enter your home through small cracks and crevices. Unsealed openings around windows, doors, and pipes are common entry points. Inspect your basement for any gaps and seal them to prevent crickets from getting inside.

How to Get Rid of Crickets

Natural Methods

Dehumidify Your Basement

Reducing humidity is a crucial step. Use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels low. This makes the environment less hospitable for crickets and other pests.

Seal Entry Points

Check for unsealed cracks and crevices. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these gaps. Pay special attention to areas around pipes and dryer vents. Fix any leaking pipes or sump pumps to eliminate water sources.

Clean and Declutter

Remove clutter and keep your basement clean. Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove potential hiding spots for crickets. Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.

Trim Vegetation

Trim shrubs and remove dead plant material from around your home’s foundation. This reduces the number of crickets that might find their way into your basement.

Chemical Methods

Insecticides

Using insecticides can be an effective way to get rid of crickets; just be careful. Apply a residual insecticide around the perimeter of your basement. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use, especially if applying in a home with kids or pets.

Baits and Traps

Cricket baits and traps are another option. Place them in areas where you have seen crickets. These products attract and kill crickets, helping to reduce their population.

Professional Pest Control

If the infestation is severe, you might need to call an expert. Professional pest control for crickets includes thorough inspections and targeted treatments. Professionals can identify and treat areas you might have missed.

Preventing Future Infestations

Regular Maintenance

Regularly inspect your home for signs of crickets. Keep up with sealing entry points and maintaining a clean, dry basement. Regular maintenance can prevent future infestations.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Continue using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low. Monitor these levels regularly to ensure your basement stays dry.

Professional Inspections

Schedule regular pest control inspections. Professionals can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. They are also more likely to spot issues before you might. This proactive approach gives effective protection for your home from pests.

Get Rid of Crickets for Good

Crickets in your basement can be a nuisance, but understanding the causes and implementing effective solutions can help you get rid of them. By addressing moisture, sealing entry points, and keeping your basement clean, you can create an environment that is less inviting to crickets. For severe infestations, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service.

Want more tips or need professional help? Reach out to Aptive, we’d love to be of help.

The post Why Are There Crickets in My Basement? Causes and Solutions appeared first on Aptive Pest Control.

Unfortunately for homeowners in some regions of the country, a cricket infestation can seemingly happen overnight. These insects are not capable of carrying diseases or causing physical harm to humans or pets, but a cricket infestation is an unnecessary burden many homeowners have to face each year. There are early warning signs that will help you know if you’re susceptible to a cricket infestation before it’s too late. Learn what causes a cricket infestation and how you can prevent one from occurring inside your home.

What Causes a Cricket Infestation?

There are over 100 different species of crickets in the United States alone, and most are found east of the Rocky Mountains. Considering crickets thrive in warm, humid climates, homeowners located along the eastern coast of the United States and in parts of Southern California are the most at risk for a cricket infestation.

Heavy rainstorms can draw these insects indoors at any point throughout the year, but fall is the most likely season for a cricket infestation to occur for a variety of reasons. First, cricket eggs hatch during the spring and early summer, meaning these insects are fully grown by the start of fall. Second, crickets typically feed on grass and other plants. When the weather cools down and these plants begin to die, crickets will head inside to find warmth and available food.

Because these insects primarily inhabit areas with tall grasses, bushes, or trees, homes with large piles of bricks, wood, or grassy flower beds are more susceptible to a cricket infestation. Crickets can nest in compact crevices, so they often accumulate in cluttered areas of a home, like a garage or an attic. Crickets are also drawn to bright lights and will gravitate toward homes with bright outdoor light fixtures.

Signs You Have a Cricket Infestation

You’ll likely know if your home has been infested with crickets, but there are some tell-tale signs to look for before calling a pest control service. The most obvious way to determine if your home has been affected by a cricket infestation is if you spot multiple crickets inside your home. It’s common for one or two to wander in through torn window screens or holes in your home’s exterior walls without becoming a cause for concern, but if you begin spotting more and more crickets gathering in your home, it could be indicative of a larger problem.

We also recommend listening for the crickets’ chirps to determine if you have a cricket infestation. These insects rarely chirp during the day; instead male crickets chirp mostly at night when mating or courting a female. During the summer, hearing crickets chirping outside is very normal and likely expected. When the chirps become so loud you have trouble sleeping, however, is when an infestation has presumably taken place.

Another way to tell if you have a cricket infestation is by routinely checking your clothing and furniture for chewed-up edges. Crickets are specifically drawn toward wool, silk, cotton, and certain types of synthetic fabric. Instead of the small holes often made by moths and other fabric-eating pests, these insects create large holes in clothing and chew edges on upholstered furniture. If you suspect your home has been infested with crickets, we recommend doing laundry often, because these insects are especially drawn to clothing soiled with perspiration.

Preventing an Infestation

Preventing a cricket infestation is much easier than doing damage control once an infestation has already taken place. During the spring, we recommend following these tips for safeguarding your home from a future infestation:

• Trim bushes and move piles of wood or trash away from doors
• Keep lawn and patio tidy and clear of debris
• Clean and organize commonly cluttered areas, like the garage or attic
• Patch up any holes and cracks found in your home’s foundation or exterior walls
• Vacuum carpets, curtains, and furniture to get rid of cricket eggs
• Change outdoor lights from white to yellow-tinted light bulbs

If you’re finding yourself asking, ‘Why do I keep finding crickets in my house?’ or ‘Why is there such a cricket problem?’ you’re likely dealing with one of the reasons mentioned above. Additionally, aspects like cricket nests in house corners or quiet, undisturbed areas can exacerbate the situation. Effective cricket extermination strategies often begin with identifying the source by swift action to seal entry points and reduce indoor attractions. Employing cricket removal services or exploring pest control for crickets can be a necessary step for those experiencing persistent issues. A professional cricket exterminator can offer targeted cricket treatment designed to not only eliminate current populations but also prevent future infestations.

It’s important to call a pest control expert as soon as you recognize the signs of a cricket infestation. The proper treatment plan for a cricket-infested home depends on the size of your property and surrounding environment. Aptive Pest Control’s pest control experts can provide a professional, effective treatment to help rid your home of crickets. Give us a call today!

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