A cricket is nocturnal, meaning that they usually make themselves scarce in the daytime, only to come out as the sun goes down. While they typically are outdoors, it is essential to take steps to ensure they do not come inside. It can be tricky to get rid of crickets in the house, especially if they find it safer than your yard. And the issue does not stop at noise and property destruction, as crickets can also carry diseases like salmonella that can make humans sick.
If crickets have invaded your property, now is the time to learn how they can get into your house and six practical prevention tips you can use to deter these pests. Big D Pest & Termite Services provides pest control In McKinney to help you get rid of them safely and effectively and prevent them from returning.
The Sound That Crickets Make
Cricket sounds can be heard primarily at night and are made by crickets rubbing their wings together. Because they are usually active when the weather is warm, you hear them in the summer in warm areas. However, cold weather can encourage them to go indoors, finding refuge in your home where they will keep chirping for the duration of their lifespan, about 90 days. They use their chirping sound to communicate for mating and territorial purposes generated by the males.
Cricket Entry Points
It is easy for crickets to get inside your house, as they are relatively small and can come through cracks and poorly sealed doors or windows. These entry points are where they will lay cricket eggs, another reason to ensure your home’s structure is in good shape. They can often find a way to invade if they can sense that your property can provide warmth, shelter, and potential food sources.
For these reasons, it is vital to keep all entrances to your home closed as much as possible, using fine mesh screens on doors and windows and door sweeps. They also like to hide in wood piles; check the wood for crickets before bringing it inside. And finally, because crickets are attracted to bright lights, which are usually placed near entryways, switching to yellow lights can help deter them.
Six Cricket Prevention Tips for McKinney Residents
You can use several prevention tips to prevent crickets from invading your property. Here are six of the most effective ones:
- Do not inadvertently leave out cricket food, which can be anything from dirty garbage cans with rotting food to your food supply. Crickets are omnivores and can eat a wide variety of food.
- Ensure that all flooring, rugs, and carpets are clean and regularly vacuumed; this removes food crumbs they might be attracted to, and it can help get rid of potential cricket eggs.
- Fix all doors and windows to remove as many cracks as possible, which will make it harder for crickets and other insects to come inside.
- Do not allow water to pool around your property, and keep your yard tidy with the grass trimmed short.
- Replace light fixtures with yellow or amber lights, and consider using motion-activated lights to be intermittent.
- Keep compost piles as far away from the house as possible.
No one wants to have a cricket invasion, either indoors or outdoors. By following as many of these tips are possible, you can help stop crickets from getting out of control.
Total Cricket Control For McKinney Residents
While it is tempting to try and live with crickets and their incessant chirp, it is generally a bad idea, as they can transmit diseases including E. coli and salmonella. They also cause skin sores, infections, and other ailments. Without taking adequate precautions, your home can become a cricket nest, and getting rid of them will become increasingly difficult. For total cricket control, it is best to reach out to professionals.
Crickets are not only noisy but the cause of many disrupted nights. They can transmit diseases and lay eggs in your home. For the best options to control crickets on your property, reach out to professionals for safe and effective control methods, and advice on keeping them away for good.