Cricket Identification & Prevention (Grylloidea)

What are crickets?

Crickets are insects that are distantly related to grasshoppers and locusts. These insects are famous for their singing at night. Cricket songs are mating calls of the males as they search for females. Males may also sing to ward off rival males and can leap incredible distances when compared to their body lengths.

We have two main species of pest cricket in Salem County; camel crickets (sometimes called “sprickets” in our area) and field crickets. Camel crickets are named after the large hump on their backs. These tan to light-brown crickets also have long, spindly legs that resemble spider legs. Field crickets, meanwhile, are dark brown and shiny with longer back legs and shorter front ones. 

Are crickets dangerous?

Crickets carry and transmit a variety of diseases to people, but none are significant. Crickets will bite people as a means of defense but they are not aggressive and so bites are rare. The biggest concern with these insects living in your home is that they chew through and cause damage to houseplants and things like upholstered furniture, rugs, wallpaper, curtains, and clothing.

Where will I find crickets?

Crickets live in a variety of outdoor environments depending on their species. Camel crickets live outside in caves and other damp dark areas. As their name suggests field crickets live outside in fields and tall grasses. And finally, house crickets are common invaders of homes and are able to live inside successfully for long periods of time. Inside crickets take up residence in dark damp areas that mimic their outdoor living conditions. Crickets inhabit basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, underneath sinks, and closets.

Why do I have a cricket problem?

Crickets live outside usually in areas that are close to homes and other buildings. While out searching for food or when the weather becomes too harsh they find their way inside homes and other buildings through spaces in exterior walls, the foundation, and underneath doors. Once inside crickets are difficult to find and eliminate because they are nocturnal and hide during the day in dark hard to reach areas.

How do I get rid of crickets?

Getting rid of crickets by yourself may not be possible if you already have a breeding population. Sticky traps and foggers might get a few, but the chances they’ll get the entire infestation are slim. That’s why you’ll need to call us here at Preferred Termite and Pest Control. Our experts can help you determine where crickets are coming into your home and clear them out for you. So don’t hesitate. Call us today for home pest control in Salem County!

How can I prevent crickets in the future?

The easiest way to prevent future problems with crickets is to partner with Preferred Termite And Pest Control. In addition to our professional home and commercial pest control services, the following tips will help to keep crickets out of your home.

• Keep the grass on your property cut low.
• Maintain garden areas and prevent plants from overgrowing.
• Remove excess piles of wood, grass, and leaves from your property.
• Get rid of fallen trees, tree stumps, and excess piles of debris.
• Eliminate entry points into your home by sealing cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.
• Put door sweeps on exterior doors- especially basement doors.
• Inspect plants and outdoor furniture for crickets before bringing them indoors.
• Keep storage areas free of clutter and organized to give crickets fewer hiding spots.
• Dry out basements by using dehumidifiers.
• Ventilate crawl spaces.