Crickets

Crickets are not known for being harmful or dangerous to humans, but once inside the home can simply become a nuisance for residents. Crickets can range in color, from light tan to yellow or dark brown to black. They are small, starting in size at 12 mm but can get up to 25 mm. They have thicker hind legs and two thin antennas that usually stretch longer than the body itself. These long antennas help distinguish crickets from grasshoppers, which are similar in appearance. Some species of crickets have wings that rest against their back, while other species don't have wings at all. Crickets are often very vocal, making loud chirping noises as a mating call or a warning call.

Crickets are omnivores and feed on plants and smaller species of insects, sometimes even other crickets. If a cricket found itself in your home, it would probably feed on house plants, fabrics, clothing, and human food. Even though they are not specifically dangerous to humans, they may cause unwanted damage to your home. House crickets can breed indoors, so if you suspect you have crickets, the problem should be controlled quickly. Otherwise, household items may be compromised, especially expensive ones like wool and silk.

Crickets are nocturnal, meaning if they have invaded your home you probably wouldn't notice until nighttime. In the daytime, they will settle down in a dark, damp area to rest and escape from predators. Crickets can settle down just about anywhere, including trees, caves, fields, or burrows in the ground. During seasons of colder weather, crickets often seek out man-made structures including sheds, garages, or houses to protect themselves.

Crickets may enter your home if you have cracks or crevices near your entryways. They are attracted to bright lights, so if they see this during the nighttime they may try to come inside. You can try to avoid crickets by limiting the use of lights around your home, especially on the porch or in the backyard. You may also want to eliminate damp areas around your house with a fan since crickets typically hide out in moist areas. Cleaning up clutter will also eliminate hiding spaces for crickets as well.

Even with these precautionary measures, crickets may still find their way into your home. If you hear chirping around your house, especially at night, you may have a cricket infestation. Call Palmetto Exterminators to help solve this problem and avoid any damages that could be caused by these pests.

Similar Pests: Camel Crickets, Mole Crickets