While they aren’t dangerous, most people don’t enjoy finding these creepy, jumpy pests in their homes.
Missouri is home to many types of crickets. Though they typically live outdoors, crickets accidentally invade a home for food, water, and shelter. They’re generally found in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics.
If you have discovered crickets in your home, Titan Pest & Wildlife can help.
Why Crickets Are “Creepy”
Many people find crickets creepy because of their of the way they look. Their large hind legs, long antennae, and shiny exoskeleton are eerie. They also tend to jump unpredictably when they feel threatened, which can result in surprising encounters. Camel crickets, for example, will leap at people. It’s a self-defense mechanism that helps these crickets to scare off predators.
House-Invading Crickets
Missouri’s most common house-invading crickets include field crickets, house crickets, ground crickets, camel or cave crickets, and mole crickets. Though crickets are relatively harmless to humans, they can be pretty destructive. They can chew on clothing, wallpaper, plants, and upholstery. Their constant chirping can also be particularly annoying – the sound male crickets make to attract females. Moreover, crickets in large numbers can become a food source for other pests, potentially leading to a secondary infestation.
Identifying a Cricket Infestation
Typically, the first sign of a cricket infestation is the distinctive sound of their chirping. You might also notice damage to fabrics or plants, or you could come across the crickets themselves in damp, warm areas of your home.
How We Tackle This Pest Problem
At Titan Pest & Wildlife, we have several solutions to cricket control. Some of these solutions include:
- Seal Entry Points: Crickets can enter your home through cracks, crevices, and other openings. We will seal any potential entry points, such as windows, doors, or foundations, to prevent this.
- Reduce Moisture: Crickets thrive in moist environments. We may suggest using dehumidifiers and fixing any leaks to make your home less attractive to them.
- Remove Food Sources: Crickets are opportunistic feeders, so ensure that all food, including pet food, is stored correctly and that crumbs are cleaned up promptly.
Our exterminators will target critical areas for treatment – such as your basement, garage, crawl space, and attic. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
