Cricket Identification Guide

What are crickets?

Crickets are medium to large-sized insects that are related to grasshoppers and katydids, with large hind legs and long antennae. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant materials and other insects. These insects are eco-important because they help to rid garden areas of small insects and feed on the seeds of weeds. Crickets also act as food for a variety of predators, including mice, birds, and spiders. These insects are also well-known for the “chirping” sound some, but not all, species make. Males create their identifying sounds when they rub their wings together to attract females.

Are crickets dangerous?

Crickets are not particularly dangerous pests, though crickets certainly should not be welcomed into our homes. They can carry and transmit some pathogens that make people ill, but this is not a huge concern.

Their ability to cause damage to personal belongings stored inside our homes is the biggest concern when it comes to crickets. Their feeding habits allow them to damage houseplants, upholstered furniture, rugs, wallpaper, curtains, clothing, and other stored items.

Why do I have a cricket problem?

Crickets spend most of their lives living, breeding, and feeding outside. They will, however, sometimes move into our homes, garages, sheds, and other outbuildings to escape temperatures that have become especially hot or cold. They also move inside during periods of heavy rain. Crickets enter into structures at ground level, coming in under basement doors, cracks in the foundation, or spaces around window wells.

Where will I find crickets?

Crickets have high moisture needs and, whether living inside or outside, reside in areas of high humidity. Outside, they live in gardens, woodpiles, shrubs, bushes, and grassy areas. Inside, they live in dark, hard to reach areas like in basement clutter, crawlspaces, laundry rooms, and under sinks.

How do I get rid of crickets?

To solve your cricket problem, it is best to partner with a professional. PESTOUT® is committed to getting rid of crickets and other pests, and keeping them out! Here at PESTOUT®, we are a family-owned company dedicated to serving the needs of our residential and commercial customers.

Our friendly professionals utilize advanced technologies to deliver the comprehensive pest control services needed to solve pest problems in Hampton Roads Virginia. If you would like to learn more about implementing our cricket control services into your Virginia home or business, reach out to PESTOUT® today. One call controls them all!

How can I prevent crickets in the future?

Prevent problems with crickets by implementing the following prevention tips in and around your Virginia home:

• Cut shrubs and bushes back away from your home’s exterior.

• Remove excess piles of wood, grass, and leaves from your property.

• Eliminate entry points into your house by sealing cracks in the foundation, and placing door sweeps in exterior doors.

• Keep your basement dry with dehumidifiers.

• Repair any leaky pipes.

• Ventilate your crawlspace.

• Get rid of clutter in storage areas where crickets can hide.