What To Do About House Crickets In Tempe

House crickets are perceived differently worldwide, but here in Tempe and across the United States, crickets are common household pests—and they’re not friendly ones, either. Not only do house crickets spread diseases, but they can also cause significant destruction to your household items as well. 

Most people don’t think crickets are a threat. Rather, famous cartoon characters, such as Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio and Cri-Kee in Mulan, have made crickets seem friendly. Many people aren’t perturbed by their iconic chirping noise, but instead, they find it peaceful. In some Asian countries, like China and Thailand, crickets are seen as a delicacy and are often served as a chocolate-covered dessert, as are other insects. Native Americans believed that crickets brought about good luck, as do the Chinese, who often keep crickets in cages to appreciate their song. 

With all of these positive connotations attached to them, crickets aren’t often associated with transmitting bacteria or causing damage to furniture and other household items due to their chewing—but they do.

Read on for more about house crickets, the dangers they pose to us and our household items, and tips on preventing a future cricket infestation.  

How Dangerous Are Crickets?

Having crickets in your home is a threat to human health and welfare. Crickets carry disease-causing bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, which cause sickness. Crickets may also carry horsehair worms, which are internal parasites. Though they aren’t harmful to humans or most pets, even if ingested, it’s still an unsettling thought to have crickets, together with their parasites, infesting your home.

Crickets spread bacteria through their feces; even handling a cricket with your bare hands is enough to result in a painful sore or rash.

In the home, crickets may feed on fabric, including cotton, wool, silk, linen, and furs, and are known to cause damage to clothing, furniture, and carpeting.

How Can I Prevent A Cricket Infestation?

Crickets find their way into homes in search of food and warm shelter. For this reason, they’re most likely to be found near sources of heat in the house, such as in kitchens and near heaters, ovens, or fireplaces. 

To prevent a future cricket infestation, consider the following three tips on reducing the factors that attract crickets:

• Address Moisture Issues In Your Home: Crickets prefer warm, moist weather, especially during the winter, when they’re unable to find these conditions outdoors. In the long term, moisture can lead to structural damage and mold, which can cause health problems and attract more pests. Nip all this in the bud by making necessary repairs to reduce or eliminate sources of moisture, and use a dehumidifier if needed.

• Identify And Seal Possible Entry Points: Cracks in a home’s foundation or damage surrounding window and door frames can provide crickets and other pests with an easy way to enter (and re-enter) your home. Take an assessment of damage to the foundation and exterior-facing walls, as well as window and door screens, and seal up damage with caulking. 

• Adjust Outdoor Lighting: Certain types of outdoor lighting can attract crickets and other pests. Instead of using white LED lights to illuminate the exterior of your home, opt for amber-colored anti-bug bulbs or sodium vapor bulbs instead.

Keep Crickets Away With Professional Pest Control Services

The health concerns that crickets pose to homeowners and their families, friends, and guests are concerning—and their constant chirping can undoubtedly become irritating and fast. If you suspect you have a cricket infestation in your Tempe home, or for more advice or assistance on crickets or other pests, contact the professionals at Green Home Pest Control.