Some people find the sound of crickets at night soothing, while others find the noise irritating. Whichever side you land on, when these pests find their way inside the house and chirp the night away, they make it hard to sleep. Searching for the source of the sound is almost impossible because every time you get close, the insects sense a threat and stop chirping.
In this article, we will explain more about crickets, including how to identify them and review the problems they can cause when they enter homes. We’ll also provide natural tips to prevent these pests from invading your house again. Learn more about effective cricket control in McKinney with the pros at Oak Pest Control.
Physical Characteristics Of Crickets: What to Look For
The most common cricket species that regularly invades homes is the appropriately named house cricket. Here are some of their physical characteristics to help you identify them:
- These insects are yellowish brown and have three dark bands on their heads.
- They have long bodies between 3/4 and 7/8 of an inch long.
- House crickets have wings that lie flat on the back.
- They have thread-like antennae often longer than the body and large hind legs.
The chirping cricket sounds you hear are the males rubbing their wings together, and they do so to attract a mate. If crickets have made their way into the house, they can be challenging to find and eliminate. Contact us today at Oak Pest Control for assistance removing crickets in your home.
Cricket Problems: More Than Just A Nuisance Noise
A cricket infestation can be incredibly frustrating, and not just because of the constant nocturnal noise. These pests will eat various fabrics, including wool, synthetics, cotton, and silk, damaging items like clothing, drapes, and carpets. They also tend to gather together in large numbers, creating the potential for a significant infestation.
Crickets can also attract the predator pests that prey on them, like black widows, wolf spiders, rats, and mice, so the sooner you get these troublesome pests out of your home, the better. Call us now at Oak Pest Control to learn more about our cricket control services or to schedule an appointment.
Cricket Prevention: Naturally Effective Tips
After we eliminate your cricket problem, it is time to take steps to ensure they won’t be returning. House crickets mate from late August through October, so this is the perfect time to take precautions. Here are some naturally effective tips to prevent crickets in the house:
- Keep outdoor lights off as much as possible, or switch to sodium vapor or yellow incandescent bulbs that are less attractive to crickets.
- Ensure the crawl space or basement has adequate ventilation or install a dehumidifier.
- Seal any cracks or gaps they can use as entryways and install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Maintain your yard by keeping the grass short, weeding plant beds, and eliminating moisture problems.
The pros at Oak Pest Control can help determine what specific factors on your property may attract these pests. Contact us today to learn how we can help eliminate your cricket problem and protect your house from another infestation.
Professional Pest Control: A Great Way To Get Rid Of Crickets
The simplest and most effective way to get rid of crickets is to team up with the pros at Oak Pest Control. Our expert service technicians can help you remove these pests and keep them out. Call us now to learn more or to schedule an appointment.