Besides the loud chirping noise that crickets bring with them, this insect may introduce certain diseases or bring damage to your Tempe home. It is important to understand crickets and the problems they may bring so you can successfully prevent an infestation.
The Problems With Crickets
House crickets are the most commonly seen type of cricket in Tempe homes. They are generally light brown or grey-brown, with round heads, cylindrical bodies, and prominent hind legs. Crickets are nocturnal, so the iconic chirping noise – made by male crickets as part of a mating song – is most noticeable at night or early in the morning.
Crickets typically invade homes during the colder months, as they are looking for moisture, warmth, and shelter, but it is possible to encounter an infestation year-round. Their favorite hangouts include kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and aroundheaters.
While having crickets in your home may seem like a harmless nuisance most of the time, these insects can bring with them several more serious or troublesome problems.
- One of the most common and irritating problems, a cricket infestation can bring an obnoxious amount of noise into your home as the male crickets chirp all night. As the infestation grows, this noise will only become louder and louder.
- While they are unlikely to bite humans, crickets’ waste can carry diseases such as E. coli and salmonella. Handling crickets or ingesting food that has been exposed to crickets may increase your risk of skin sores or gastrointestinal distress.
- Once in your home, crickets tend to cause damage by chewing on things. They are attracted to fibrous keratin found in furniture and some fabrics; the more crickets in your home, the more widespread this chewing damage will be.
Cricket Prevention Tips
To stop a cricket infestation from getting out of control, there are several prevention tips that you can follow to cricket-proof your Tempe home:
- Crickets are greatly attracted to moisture, especially in dark areas. Make sure to deal with any leaks inside and out of your property, paying close attention to areas such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Mop up spills quickly and ensure all areas of your home have proper ventilation.
- Check windows, doors, and weather stripping for potential entry points and seal up any cracks. You should also repair tears in window and door screens and insulate windows to ensure no large gaps for crickets to enter.
- Outdoor lighting often attracts crickets, so if you must use it on your property, you may want to invest in amber bug lights or a motion-activated light.
- In your home, vacuum carpets and rugs frequently to remove any trace of cricket eggs or cricket waste.
- Ensure that all outdoor trash cans are tightly sealed, as open containers can attract crickets.
- Keep your lawn trimmed down and reduce tall grasses so crickets won’t have a place to hide around your property.
Keeping Crickets Out of Your Tempe Home
The best way to keep crickets out of your home for good is an ongoing relationship with the professionals at Green Home Pest Control, who will utilize eco-friendly products to remove a cricket infestation or help you prevent one from happening altogether. Make your home an insect-free place again!